A Soldier has no gender
My sexual preferences or orientation are/is different from other people; I could be gay, I could be lesbian, I could be bi-sexual or transgender. I was first rejected, ignored, sidelined and looked-down upon by my so-called society (Bloody society they seem to have problem with anything or anyone who does not fit the bill) and my chances to grow as a person and mature as a human were bleak. But just when I was beginning to see and judge people through the prism of our own stereotypes a few good and accepting beings stepped forward and decided to fight for my rights and for the rights of my fellow LGBT people and the leaders of some great nations (INDIA IS NOT ONE OF THEM) found the way to put my rights into words and on paper and recognise me as one and not deem my choices unnatural. Once again world seemed like a better place to live in and future began to look a little hopeful if not colorful. But Little did I know that my sexual orientation once again will come in the way of my intent and desire to serve my nation as a SOLDIER for I Believed the Generals of Army, the Air marshalls of Air Force and the Naval Commanders of Navy around the world were teaching their Male and Female soldiers (since when did our defences become only two gender dominated institute) the same teachings and messages that were once taught by our spiritual leaders and spread across the world — ACCEPT AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER FOR WHAT THEY ARE. Well it’s not wholly fathomable and possible to accept someone for what they are or not because ACCEPTANCE is a process which takes a day in and day out of observing the patterns and comprehending the PSYCHE of the person in question of acceptance. But what gets my goat is how can one be judged and administered for the choices that come naturally to them and how can they have an imapct on someone whose only job is to see them as Humans regardless of their genders and sexual preferences becuase that’s what they are and how they were born.
Today decision to ban LGBT people from serving in the Army was taken by one Country; Tomorrow it can be taken by any nation- INDIA too- It tears my heart to write this but India is one of the most Regressed and Suppressed nations and with so many fundamentalists on the loose and on cue will willingly and satisfactorily overcompensate for everything they thought to be wrong and not in line with the shared views ; We have a mountain of problems and tasks ahead of us and for our kids.
I am no activist to write this just someone who comes from a family where she has seen 3 generations of men (including her own father) go into Army and Airforce; has friends (guys and girls) in the same profession and it fills her with immense pride and joy whenever she sees one (SOLDIER). And the next time I will see a soldier I will remind myself this- A SOLDIER HAS NO GENDER .