America becoming beautiful

"Listen,
Do you want to know a secret?,
Do you promise not to tell?, whoa oh, oh". (Do You want to know a Secret? lyrics by the Beatles)

Coming out to your family, sharing with them some truths about yourself you have known for years, or finally recognized, or suddenly realized, sharing your secret with them is for some a hard road on which to walk.

"Is this me, is this me who was I pretending to be now tell me, I'd like to know, oh I'd like to know" ( Is This Me, lyrics by Gerry Buncher)

Admitting to those from whom you learned about life, shared your ups and downs, received pats on the back or a good scolding, admitting to them that one teeny tiny particular of your life may not be part of the particulars everyone knows about you is both redeeming and terrifying.

"I'm coming out
I want the world to know
Got to let it show
I'm coming out
I want the world to know
I got to let it show" (I'm Coming Out, lyrics by Diana Ross)

Stating the obvious which obviously had been disguised, disingenuous, debilitating, or deleted for reasons as pure as why does anyone have to know to as simple as if they want to know let them ask, is for many taking that deep breath after holding your breath for 2 minutes, or finally breathing fresh air for the first time.

No matter what you do on the stage
Keep it light, keep it bright, keep it gay!
Whether it's murder, mayhem or rage
Don't complain, it's a pain
Keep it gay! Keep It Gay, lyrics by Mel Brooks)

Being who you want to be, not the ideal of family or friends. Recognizing your strengths and not just focusing on what others might perceive as your weaknesses. Taking the edge off of the taboo by living your life without plagues, damnation, or the end of the world happening to you or those who know you. Demanding equal not just separate but equal. Deciding you are like so many others and if you are not that is what makes you unique. Just going on with your day because suddenly there is a rainbow to find a pot of gold. All of that is a part of keeping it Gay.

Today, exactly at 12:01 AM DADT died. Today our Troops took a step forward to be the same as they were the day before but if they so desire to say out loud I am Gay. Today those who defend our country, lay their lives on the line, take supporting the flag and the Constitution to heart and soul, today those in the US military have one less enemy to fight.

"O beautiful for heroes prov'd
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life.

America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev'ry gain divine". (America The Beautiful, lyrics by Katherine Lee Bates)

America can be beautiful and fair and equal, and when it is how wonderful. Small steps by a nation that at times as so far to walk.