Ian McKellen on:
A Gay In The Military
Last year I was visiting Atlanta for the opening there of my film of
"Richard III." The Governor of Georgia decided that he wanted
to name that day for me in his State. I don't suppose in these matters
the Governor needs to consult the US Senator! The date of my honouring
was to be January 15, until it was acutely pointed out that that day was
already reserved for Martin Luther King, Jr., throughout the nation as
well as in his home state. The Governor was not abashed and in compensation
he declared me an "aide de camp" in his gubernatorial Militia,
with the status thenceforward of Lieutenant Colonel - which must make me
the only openly-gay senior officer currently serving in the armed forces
of the USA. This appointment is for life - I think it's time someone designed
me a uniform!
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