LGBTQIA+ Of The Armed Forces pt 1

Hello everyone, I would like to start this out with a sincere, “Happy Pride Month” from Awaken
The North, and especially so from Regnbue Aett!
This, along with two other contributions, is an interview with a member of our community who
is active within the armed forces but is also a member of the LBGTQ+ community, showing
further solidarity across multiple groups within our ever so large community
Our second interview is with Flakkandi Heim, otherwise simply known as Flak, our resident
mead maker and, of course, Chair of Military Services!

1. Hi there, it’s lovely to have you. Would you mind saying what your branch of the military is
   and maybe how you identify, plus of course, your pronouns?”
   Air Force (now Air National Guard after 15 years of Active Duty). I’m not entirely straight, so I’m
   still figuring that part out. I’m pretty standard, I just go by “he/him.”
2. How would you say being LGBTQ+ impacts your experience within the military?
   It hasn’t been until pretty recently that I have admitted (even to myself) that I’m not entirely
   straight. I was always an ally, so I’d say I have a love/hate relationship with the military regarding
   the LGBTQ+ community.
3. Following up on that note, did you come out prior to being in the armed forces or was that
   already established?”
   I wouldn’t say I have really “come out” so much as acknowledged. I have been married going in
   18 years, so it’s kind of a moot point. Those closest to me know, and the folks who don’t don’t
   really “matter” enough for me to care about their opinion.
4. What would you say would surprise folks the most to learn about being LGBTQ+ in the armed
   forces?
   Most people genuinely don’t care. If you are a good person, they could usually care less. Even
   for the ones who do care, you are still “one of us.” It’s kind of like the big brother/sister
   mindset. “I can pick on my sibling all I want, but the second YOU do it, watch out
5. Are there any experiences you’d like to share?
   I was in Afghanistan when “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) was repealed. In the normal rank and
   file, there was no earth-shattering difference from one day to the next. The few ignorant people
   who voiced opinions were educated, and all of the ones that I personally knew changed their
   tune. Even the top brass just wanted good people. They didn’t care who you loved. I personally
   talked to a bunch of Generals on the subject (albeit not willingly at first). They were more
   concerned with retaining/recruiting people than they were about who you loved/liked/slept
   with/etc. I kind of went off on the subject, and as a result, I realized most General officers
   (O7-O10) are actually chill and cool as shit.
   I would like to thank Flak for taking the time to speak with me today, and I am eagerly excited to
   share replies from the next interview!
   -Rowan Proffitt, Chancellor of Regnbue Aett