photo: Photo Illustration by Derius Westly/ BY-NC-SA

[This week's feature spotlight focuses on LGBT issues.]

"In telling young service members that there is this legislation of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" you are legitimately encouraging the idea that there is something wrong with homosexuality."- Joseph Christopher Rocha

Hundreds of military service members are kicked out of the armed forces each year under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". The long-derided policy was forged as a compromise in 1993 under the presidential administration of Bill Clinton- gay service members would be allowed to serve if they didn't reveal their sexual orientation with the implication that their superiors are not supposed to make inquires.

What happens when you are forced to hide part of who you are?

For 23-year old Joseph Christopher Rocha, a veteran who served in the Middle East, what happened was abuse.

In the audio above you’ll hear Joseph share his story in his own words. He tells of how members of his unit tormented him after it was suspected he was gay, the cost of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, and an investigation into the abuse that was mysteriously dropped.
 

LGBT Spotlight Week

Monday- State of the Unions : a review of the status of Gay Marriage.
Tuesday- Profiles in Polyamory [Part I] : a new generation of gay youth emerges, and challenges the notion of "normal".
Wednesday- The High Cost of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
Thursday- Gay Music Icons and Profiles in Polyamory [Part II]
Friday- An Interview with Anthony Woods, Congressional Candidate and Gay Vet