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After nearly two decades of "don't ask, don't tell," gay US service members are now hearing "do ask, do tell," and even "find a friend" from a new social network website, Out Military. Launched just over a week ago at outmilitary.com, the site follows the repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" rule, established in 1993, which prevented gay men and lesbians from openly serving in the armed forces. To date, Out Military - a sort of Facebook for gay and lesbian military men and women - has only 53 members. However, its backers anticipate growth in the months ahead as the repeal takes effect. The US military is currently drafting rules to implement the new policy, but a specific date for implementation has not been set. Despite this, some servicemen and women are not waiting and are now unafraid of losing their jobs. "It gives people a social platform to communicate," Kristin Orta, a private first-class serving with the Florida National Guard, said about the site. Orta, who enlisted in August, said joining the military during the US congressional debate on the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" was a coincidence. She called the repeal a step in the right direction for allowing members to serve openly. Out Military creator John McKinnon said the site was there to support those looking for friends, or to form a network for gay and lesbian service members and supporters. "I think a social networking site specifically for that niche of gay and lesbian service members is a natural fit," McKinnon said. Reuters |
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