Openly gay former U.S. Army officer Dan Choi has been hospitalized, spending time at the Brockton (Mass.) Veterans Hospital’s psychiatric ward after, according to a text message he sent, “experiencing a breakdown and anxiety attack.”
Choi posted that he did not initally want to publicize the development but realized “it is critical for our community to know several things:
” [V] eterans gay or straight carry human burdens. Activists share similar burdens, no activist should be portrayed as superhuman, 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 [Dec. 9, when the U.S. Senate rejected a measure that would repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”], 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.”