The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy expired on Sept. 20, effectively ending our country’s 17 year ban on being openly gay while serving in our military, creating a pivotal moment in society.

New military recruits will no longer have to hide their sexual orientation and those currently in the military will no longer have to keep their relationships a secret.

From its inception, DADT was controversial, and its expiration will lift a great burden from those who wish to serve their country, while empowering people to embrace their true selves.

The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy created fear of discrimination, humiliation, and in some cases individuals were dishonorably discharged for being honest about their sexuality.

Hope for those who were dishonorably discharged due to their sexual orientation is renewed as the military begins changing the status of those discharged from dishonorable to honorable.  This change will allow veterans to receive their military benefits, which were unrightfully denied to them.

This repeal is yet another stride toward true American equality.

Faced with harassment and cruelty, gays have endured heavy burdens from society, which for years has kept many from being open about their sexuality.

With the upcoming National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, this will undoubtedly prompt gay rights activists and groups to rejoice.

It’s expected that the repeal will continue to be met with hostility by those who are opposed to the very idea of homosexuality, but their negativity will not stop the elation.

2011 now brings with it a series of firsts for gay residents in San Diego.  Among those firsts was a military float during the San Diego LGBT Pride Parade. The military group had the largest amount of participants in the parades history, which included not only gay military members but their families and friends.

Hopefully this will open the floodgates of justice and equality creating a country that is truly “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”