Last stop. Quaint town. We walk in silence to the gate. No cadets. Tape covers our mouths. 21 riders and community members attempt to go on campus. Army police run out seemingly unprepared. They start taking people back to the vigil line. We in turn go back on campus. They get our point. We were arrested. We left.
At lunch 3 cadets snuck away from campus and found us. They were on lock-down. Every classroom for weeks had been talking about our visit and about Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. They wanted us on campus. Professors wanted us on campus. We exchanged phone numbers. 11 cadets drive 1 ½ hours to meet us for dinner. We shared stories. One cadet asked us, “What’s it like to be “out?” I’ve never been “out.” Another story consisted of a friend who was straight but not your typical class A personality. His room was demolished, computer thrown against a wall, and a sign left on his door saying “No Fags.” Fear is violent.
Other stories consisted of individuals “coming out” to squads and companies; as a result all cadets around them policed others who used gay hate language. When the face of a known and respected colleague is put on the abstract issue of “faggots” and “homosexuality,” education and understanding replace ignorance and hatred. It was powerful to meet with these gay cadets and hear their appreciation for our support of them. I have a feeling Equality Ride 2007 will be visiting them again.
