Forced Into Closet By Nation They Serve

"If you identify as, or are just beginning to identify as, a Gay or Lesbian Midshipman, you are certainly not alone there in Bancroft Hall," the Web site tells plebes or middies who go to the "The Gouge" page. "Many of us have been in your shoes. We know that for many of you, it isn't a fun experience to figure out that you aren't who you thought you were, particularly if you have to work through the process on your own while at the Academy."

The USNAOut Web site describes the specific don'ts of Don't Ask: "Lying goes so much against the principles that we all learned as Midshipmen. We cannot recommend that you ever take that path. We feel that it is best to 'deflect' any line of questioning that you ever receive, either informally or formally."

Since posting his profile on the USNAOut Web site, Mr. Muller has had contact with about a dozen middies or active-duty Navy men, seeking in confidence a sympathetic ear or advice.

"It has been very rewarding," adds Mr. Petrie. "A great deal of healing has come from this, and friendships have developed, and we feel as though we're playing a role in the lives of those following us."

USNAOut doesn't officially lobby for repeal of Don't Ask, says Mr. Petrie, but certainly its members believe it should go away. Fortunately, so do growing numbers of their fellow Americans. Nearly 70 percent of those surveyed by Gallup in May said they favored allowing gays and lesbians to openly serve in the military. And some of the biggest growth in support was among conservatives and people who identified themselves as weekly churchgoers.

Amen.

Dan Rodricks' column appears Wednesdays and Sundays. He is host of the Midday talk show on WYPR-FM.