Gay servicemen and women talk about life under 'don't ask, don't tell'

From President Obama to Sen. John McCain to pop star Lady Gaga, numerous politicians and celebrities have weighed in on the debate surrounding the military's "don't ask, don't tell" rule. But sometimes, it's good to hear from the men and women whose lives are directly impacted by the government's policy that bans openly gay individuals from serving in the armed forces.

For almost two years, Los Angeles photographer Jeff Sheng has been traveling across the country taking portraits of gay servicemen and women, their faces at least partially concealed. In total, he took close to 60 portraits in 25 different states.

A gallery exhibit of his work featuring 20 photographs is running Sept. 18 through Oct. 23 at the Kaycee Olsen Gallery in L.A. In addition, Sheng is publishing a new volume containing more photographs from the project.

Four gay service personnel who participated in the photography project recently agreed to talk about their experience serving in active duty. Their names and locations have been changed in order to protect their identities.

A repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy currently is making its way through Congress, with the Senate expected to vote on the measure on Tuesday. Opponents of the repeal, including McCain and numerous conservative pundits, have questioned how it would impact troop morale and combat effectiveness. The policy has led to the discharge of more than 13,000 service members since it took effect in 1994.

Read the full story on the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" photography show and be sure to check out the photo gallery above.

-- David Ng

Photo: "Tristan and Zeke." Credit: Jeff Sheng / Kaycee Olsen Gallery

Comments

[robert_PS_CA]

Why do those who DO NOT SERVE force those who DO SERVE [or want to]...to serve with dishonesty?

Why is a [no-change in DADT] soldier/officer who DOES serve permitted discriminating against other soldiers? That is blind bigotry, not unit cohesion.

LIE TO US, THEN DIE FOR US is a contemptible result of DADT.

Show more in the photo gallery! Please...

[Mr. West]

O'er the laaaaaand of thaaaaa Don't ask Don't Tellllllllllll............ and the home........ of the ...............brave!

[seventhrama]

I think there should be no mistake; there is always a corresponding responsibility to a given right. Whatever the outcome of Congress regarding DADT, it will place a very heavy responsibility on gay and straight military personnel alike. Both gays and straights will have to have clear guidelines as to what is and is not acceptable behavior in public and in private settings. Finally, any infractions of the service regulations necessitate uniformity across all branches of the military; otherwise, built-in failure will be in place to harm either or both groups thus truly affecting good order and discipline.