Dan Choi, the former Iraq War veteran discharged under the United States military policy prohibiting openly gay service personal, has been hospitalised, Pam Spaulding, of the blog Pam’s House Blend, reporting that she received an e-mail from Dan that reads in part:
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.
If you could share the info and sentiment I'd be most grateful.
According to Spaulding, Choi is now in the care of staff at a Veterans Administration facility, adding that she hopes his honesty will facilitate a multi-faceted discussion on the issues surrounding mental health.
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