Dublin Councilmember On Panel At DADT Repeal Commemoration Event

Moving and heartfelt stories of serving under the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy were shared in an online event hosted by Ashley Biden on Friday.

Vice President Biden’s leadership in the Obama-Biden Administration’s repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" (DADT) paved the way for openly gay, lesbian, bisexual and queer service members to serve this country without hiding their sexual orientation.

Hosted by Ashley Biden and including special guests, Friday's virtual event commemorating the repeal of DADT and reflected on how DADT impacted veterans and their family members. The event also featured a panel discussion facilitated by Reggie Greer (who leads the Out for Biden initiative) on what the repeal means to the nation and what's next for full equality for LGBTQ+ servicemembers.

In Ashley Biden's opening remarks the need to stand up for those being treated unfairly was raised. She mentioned the challenges faced by military families and preparing and equipping troops who were sent into harms way and emphasized that their willingness to serve the nation was what mattered.

The panelists shared their raw experiences and highlighted the importance of every person's narrative while giving a voice to those who are LGBTQ+ and who serve in the nation's armed forces. Veterans have been sharing their thoughts on social media using the hashtag #OutForBiden.

The message from the panelists was very clear "Every qualified patriot who has skills vital to national security should be allowed to serve without fear regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."

One of the panelists was Dublin City Councilmember, Shawn Kumagai. He has been instrumental in raising awareness about the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community and introduced the Pride Flag to the City’s flagpoles last year.

Here is Shawn Kumagai's touching story in his own words:

Nine years ago this week, on September 20th, 2011, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) officially ended. I joined an LGBTQ for Biden panel discussion to talk about what it was like serving under the policy.

I served 10 years on active duty under DADT. Prior to deciding to join, I remember talking to my mom (an Army Nurse) about the possibility of going into the military. I asked her what it would be like serving as a gay man and she described the DADT policy. Ironically, at the time, I saw DADT as a protection. I had heard the horror stories from older LGBTQ veterans about the witch hunts and raids at gay bars by MPs. I figured I could serve quietly because, after all, “my private life is my private life” and when I joined the Navy, I made a conscious decision to go back in the closet so that I could serve.

Unbeknownst to me I entered during the height of discharges under DADT. I served with many sisters and brothers in arms who were discharged under the policy. Many willingly “told” because they couldn’t bare the lifestyle of secrecy and some were “asked” despite the policy. The rest of us served in silence. There is something very demoralizing and unhealthy about having to deny who you are. What do you do when the people you are serving with ask you about your romantic life or your loved ones? Do you tell them the truth and risk your continued service or do you lie to those who you have professed your commitment to being truthful and honorable?

Despite this personal ongoing dilemma, I continued to manage the separation of my professional and personal lives, but as time went on I started to realize how truly inequitable this policy was. I saw so many LGBTQ couples discriminated against in terms of access to benefits that were afforded to straight couples. If an LGBTQ service member was stationed overseas, they likely couldn’t bring their partner with them. If they were forward-deployed or if something were to happen to them, their partner would not receive the support and benefits that straight couples received. This discrimination continued on after DADT ended, until marriage equality became the law of the land 5 years ago.

I served 10 years in silence, and in hiding. I confided in my closest friends. I never spoke directly to anyone in leadership about my personal life. And because of the policy I felt in my mind that there was no way I could ever continue in service, to rise in the ranks, and to take positions of higher authority because of the scrutiny it might bring. After 10 years, I decided to switch to the Navy Reserves. The same year I made that decision, it was announced that DADT would end.

I never thought DADT would end during my military career, but it was like night and day. I was able to be truthful with my sisters and brothers in service. I could work and excel knowing that I was appreciated for who I was. And I could serve as a role model to the LGBTQ Sailors I served with. I was promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer while serving as the Senior Enlisted Leader for my unit. I was proud to stand with my partner (now husband) to receive this honor. I would’ve continued to serve in silence under DADT if I had to, but I’m glad I didn’t have to.