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While DADT was still in place it would have been almost impossible for a gay soldier to run for office because of all the personal history that tends to be dug up by opponents on the campaign trail. But not anymore! Details about the first post-DADT, openly gay, active duty candidate for public office after the jump.
Iraq and Afghanistan Army veteran Brian Carroll, who is running for the newly drawn House District 28, and also believes he is the first active National Guardsman in the country to run for office post-DADT says of his decision to run:
"Ultimately, what this comes down to, I believe, is standing up and providing an opportunity for leadership. Really, the repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' provides that opportunity -- not only for myself, but for so many other openly gay members of the military. This really is a historic moment, and I think the people are going to look back at this, and say, 'This is history in the making. This is when the entire ballgame changed.'"
Carroll talks about his disappointment with Colorado's ban on same-sex marriage:
"It just boggles the mind how that was allowed to happen. Colorado has always had a history of freedom and equality. It was the very first state in the union to ultimately allow women to vote. Here we are nearly 150 years later, and we really have fallen by the wayside."
We bet and hope that this is just the beginning of openly gay service members taking leadership roles in the military and civilian life. The world is watching. Examples need to be set.
Exciting times. Best of luck, Brian!
Go to Gay Voices at HuffPo for the full story.
(Image source: Colorado for Carroll)
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