Lt. Dan Choi who has been the leading activist in the fight to repeal DADT is seeking help from mental health practitioners at a Veterans Administration to deal with stress and depression.
Dan wrote in an e-mail to Pam Spauding over at Pam’s House Blend:
I did not initially want to publicize this but I now realize it is critical for our community to know several things: veterans gay or straight carry human burdens, Activists share similar burdens, no activist should be portrayed as super human, and the failures of government and national lobbying carry consequences far beyond the careers and reputations of corporate leaders, elected officials, High powered lobbyists, or political elites. They ruin lives. My breakdown was a result of a cumulative array of stressors but there is no doubt that the composite betrayals felt on Thursday, by elected leaders and gay organizations as well as many who have exploited my name for their marketing purposes have added to the result. I am certain my experience is not an isolated incident within the gay veteran community.
At the same time, those who have been closest to me know that I truly appreciate their gracious help and mentorship. I am indebted to their hospitality and leadership.
I am glad that Dan realized the stress and depression and is seeking help. One can only imagine what this man has been through. Fighting honorably for his country in Iraq, then being told he can’t because he’s gay, and then fighting for the right to return and dealing with the liars and homophobes in Washington and within our community (Hi HRC!) only to be fed bullshit over and over and run into brick walls. I can totally relate. It’s hard enough and sometimes extremely depressing just blogging about the depressing state of and news with the LGBT Community and our fight for civil rights. I can only imagine what choi has had to go through being on the front lines of both this dirty war and the front lines of Washington LGBT activism.
Get some rest and fell better Dan. And thank you for all the hard work.