First-Ever Gay 'Dear John' Letters Begin Reaching U.S. Troops Overseas

[joeybee12]

BAGRAM, AFGHANISTAN—Hailed as a monumental step toward equality by gay rights activists, hundreds of Dear John letters reportedly began reaching newly outed troops overseas this week, notifying soldiers for the first time ever that their same-sex partners back home were leaving them and starting a new life with someone else.

According to Pentagon observers, the torrent of brusque, callous letters—which followed Tuesday's repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy—has left romantically betrayed homosexuals in every branch of the service grappling with feelings of rejection and despair, a momentous milestone in U.S. military history.

"For too long, gays and lesbians in the armed forces were barred from receiving such letters, leaving them woefully unaware that the person they once called their soul mate had been cheating on them throughout their deployment," said Clarence Navarro of the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBT advocacy group. "But now all troops, regardless of their sexual orientation, are free to have their entire lives ripped out from underneath them in a single short note."

"This is a great day for homosexuals," Navarro added. "Even those who now have nothing to return home to."

http://www.theonion.com/articles/firstever-gay-dear-john-letters-begin-reaching-us,26123/

It's The Onion, of course!

[Amimnoch]

1. I wish someone would have told my ex back in '91 that it was barred.

Definitely a great day, I celebrated and toasted with some of my ex-military friends when it took effect.

I understand the authors intent, and can respect that, but really, these letters have been happening for us for a long time now. The only difference between now and before, is we can actually discuss it with our friends and co-workers vs. back when I was in, only my closest circle of friends could know about it, and be my support group (as I was for them).

[joeybee12]

4. I agree, but you gotta love The Onion for this slant on the lifting of DADT...

they're always entertaining.

[Amimnoch]

2. One thing that the end of DADT does do though...

It protects our brothers and sisters in the armed forces from fearing for their career when their relationship does end, and the potential blackmail and reprecussions their ex-partners can harm them with.

I personally know 2 good persons whose careers came to an abrupt end under DADT in the early-mid 90's when their jilted partners decided to take revenge by outing them to their CO's.

[Prism]

3. L.O.L.

This is awesome.