I can’t help thinking about that classic children’s album, Free to Be You and Me, while I read all of the stories on the movement to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. We’ve taught our kids for years that “one of these things is different and special,” but we don’t actually seem to appreciate different and special. Are we, as a society, stuck in some pre-pubescent haze that only allows us to feel good about ourselves if all the other cool kids are like us? Or maybe, we’re worried that all the cool kids are gay, like Cary Grant and Rock Hudson, and we’re left out because we’re old skool heterosexual.

Why does it matter who someone loves if they’re just trying to protect our country? What are we afraid will happen if we just say homosexuals are allowed in the military when, in fact, we already know there are gay service men and women? Why is it ok to give one group less rights than another?

Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is a gesture of tolerance to those who choose to have romantic relationships with same sex partners. Whether you do or do not agree with the lifestyle has very little to do with the “inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” granted to us all by the Declaration of Independence.

Of course, the last time we decided some people did not qualify for these inalienable rights, we called them slaves and built a national economy on their blood, sweat and tears. Righting that wrong tore apart a nation, drove us to war, created an economic downturn and left scars still apparent today as Oakland processes the verdict in the Oscar Grant/Mehserle trial. Why can’t we agree to disagree and let people live their lives?

I would expect that those who wish to confide their lives and lifestyles to those who care should be allowed to remove the gag order. Just as we at Owning Pink fight to find our mojo, be ourselves and own all of the aspects of who we are, so should every member of society. After all, as Pinkies, we understand that as we express who we are, everyone will not like us, agree with us or want to friend us. And that’s ok because we get that we are heard and respected. We understand the healing encompassed in being seen and heard in our truth, as we are. And those who get us, get us. I think it is a shame that we as a country cannot support that for all our people.

Freedom of speech should include the freedom to speak who you love, no matter your job description. In fact, I would say those willing to risk their lives to keep us safe have more rights to express who they are and how they feel. We don’t all have to agree, but can’t we all just get along?

What do you think? Whether you agree or disagree this a forum where I welcome your free speech. Just, please, be respectful. We don’t have to agree, but I am asking and I hope you will tell what’s on your mind.