Dan Choi Hospitalized For Exhaustion

Army Lieutenant Dan Choi, perhaps the most prominent face pioneering the effort to repeal the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on openly gay soldiers, has reportedly been hospitalized following a bout of exhaustion.

Choi wrote to Pam's House Blend blog:

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.

Derek Washington of the Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada told Village Voice that last week's failed Senate vote to overturn "don't ask don't tell" was a significant factor in Choi's hospitalization, which marked a withdrawal from his often unrestrained public presence.

"He is currently resting and receiving the help of professionals who understand what Dan is going through much better than any of us could," Washington wrote. "It's easy to forget that Dan was a combat veteran because he always puts on a brave front for the cause, but Dan is also a human who has seen much worse than most of us in his lifetime."

The House has planned a subsequent vote this week on the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell," and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has threatened to keep the upper chamber in session through the holiday recess in order to make sure that a vote on that measure takes place.

Comments

[Drewry]

10:30 PM on 01/27/2011

do not judge. That is God's job!

http://www.DrewryNewsNetwork.com

[SalesmanForLife]

11:02 PM on 12/22/2010

Rest for a while, there is time to celebrate when you are back on top of things. Many like me consider you a friendly voice of equality.

[amberrod]

01:01 PM on 12/19/2010

beautifully worded statement in the midst of a breakdown. Lt. Choi is living proof that soldiers can and should be humane. A full and speedy recovery to him.

[GrammieJ]

10:04 AM on 12/18/2010

My prayers go out to you, Lt. Choi for a speedy recovery. You are a hero to our country.

[treetracker]

08:38 PM on 12/16/2010

Take care Lt. Choi. Let's hope the national discrimination by our government will soon end.

[Willow712]

08:05 PM on 12/16/2010

It does no one good if you don't take care of your health. There is always time. Take care of yourself.

[barbrn0798]

06:23 PM on 12/16/2010

Dan, I have admired your passion and tenacity on behalf of all veterans; gay and straight. Please take care of yourself; let others carry your burden for a while.

[Duppy]

05:57 PM on 12/16/2010

Hang in there Dan. Have a glass of wine, relax. The rest of us will put the pressure on congress on your behalf.

COME ON CONGRESS ! GET THIS EFFING THING REPEALED ALREADY !

[norepublicanleftbehind]

05:50 PM on 12/16/2010

Get well soon Dan. We're rooting for you.

[captainindustry]

04:45 PM on 12/16/2010

now THERE's a man who can wear a beret.

[jrfromdallas]

04:34 PM on 12/16/2010

I thought he was hospitalized for using handcuffs that were too small when he cuffed himself to the WH.

[lainey]

04:28 PM on 12/16/2010

My Choi is absolutely right on every front. He served is country and he should have been able to do so as his authentic self. To deny him that is to deny him his human rights. And then, he was mentally injured by the authorities as they continued to violate his human rights by putting him through so much turmoil. It is time to wake up and see that systems are designed to oppress people. When people meet that repression with resistance, the system then inflicts mental injury as they smear reputations and makes false allegations in attempt to keep from speaking up. It happens to people who have little power in a big system...our brothers and sisters in same-sex loving relationships, children in foster care, foster parents who do it out of duty to our country and our children, anyone speaking out against abuse. My heart and prayers are with him. Glod bless you Mr. Choi.

[norepublicanleftbehind]

05:50 PM on 12/16/2010

Fanned.

[CoastOfMaine]

02:41 PM on 12/16/2010

Be well Dan. My son is also in the Army and I am so proud of all of you and want to thank you for all you do in service to our country.

[FactsvsFear]

12:40 PM on 12/16/2010

This man a is a combat veteran and is facing the ugly fact that just because he was born gay he is a second class soldier in the eyes of the military and country he killed for and was ready to die for. Gay or straight. It's time all our heroes are treated the same.

[GayGrandpa]

12:26 PM on 12/16/2010

Hope you're feeling a little better today.