Dan Choi (1981-)
I firmly believe that anyone who is willing to put their life on the line for their country should be given the right to serve. Dan Choi is a great example of someone who refused to be silent, who refused to hide, and who wanted to serve his country. He was in the United States Army from 1999 to 2010 when he was discharged for being gay. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was still the law, and while it was finally repealed the following year, Choi never did get back into the military. He has instead devoted his life to activism, for which he has been willing to be arrested and prosecuted. He is an honorable man and beyond worthy of respect.