Thank you for your support, encouragement, advice and friendship throughout this remarkable year: coming out of the closet, returning to church and faith, forming West Point's gay alumni group, standing trial for telling the truth, 54 university and public speeches, two dozen live interviews on national television, over a hundred taped TV and live radio segments, a national equality march on Washington DC, lobbying with senators and representatives, organizing, rallying, activism, faith, truth and... love.

Many ask "What's next?" The advice is diverse and plentiful. Whatever the future brings, I hope that you will remain part of my life, and that I can remain part of yours. Many of you have witnessed the more public events of this year and I wanted to reply at length to each of your messages because your encouragement has meant so much. But at times it got too busy to keep everyone fully informed. Perhaps it will only get busier in years to come, so here's my attempt at an update to fill in some blanks.

2007 - 2008
Returned from Iraq. I met Matthew, my boyfriend in New York City (to many of you, I referred to "her" as "Martha" under "Don't Ask Don't Tell"). I began a masters program at Harvard Extension (Religion and MidEast Studies) All the while I was speaking at colleges about Iraq with a group of American combat veterans and Iraqi interpreters: we called ourselves "Marhabtain Institute."

January 2009
Living with my parents to explain to them "I am gay." It was a full-time job for 6 months! Of course, my dad came a long way this year and my mom still has a long way to go. A handful of hateful statements from "friends" shows that it sometimes takes extra time for otherwise good people to gain understanding. Also joined the Gay Men's Chorus, enrolled in Persian, French and vocal music at the local community college (Orange County, CA).

March 2009
Formed Knights Out: West Point LGBT Graduates. We were mentioned everywhere from The Wall Street Journal to The Marine Corps Times in the first few days. We opposed "Don't Ask Don't Tell" on its moral failings and its contradiction to the Honor Code, forcing gay soldiers to lie about their identities and love relationships. Our membership continues to grow, now with over 80 gay and transgender graduates refusing to hide the truth or tolerate half-truths.

After marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in NYC with the National Guard I flew back to California and got a call from The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC for interview. The audio feed mysteriously dies after I say "I am gay" ... Conspiracy? Well, a month later I get a letter from the army kicking me out, unless I fight it. The only evidence against me? Three words. From that point on, it's been a whirlwind, with over 24 live interviews on CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, NPR, BBC, al-Jazeera, Korea Daily, and other national and international networks.

May 2009
Speaking at rallies in California in the aftermath of Prop 8, Marriage Discrimination.

June 2009
Grand Marshal of the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade. I also got to help my West Point classmate Anthony Woods in his run for congress.
The next day, facing military trial for "homosexual statement" (Breaking "Don't Tell"). My military lawyer and I submitted over 260,000 support statements collected largely by the Courage Campaign. Other Knights Out compatriots came to cheer me on but they got kicked off the base! They recommended discharge but the final paperwork is still floating around the Pentagon. Maybe they're still trying to read all the support statements.

Continuing the battle on other fronts, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressmen Joe Sestak, Alcee Hastings, Patrick Murphy, Governor David Paterson, Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and many others have tried to intercede in my particular case. But mine is only one case. We need immediate action on DADT repeal.

Summer/Fall 2009
Working with several groups working for equal rights for all Americans.

August 2009
Marching back 12 miles from summer training with the West Point Class of 2013. This was the second year I had the pleasure of participating in this event as part of "The Long Grey Line."

October 2009
Organizing the March on Washington as a national co-chair and representing military issues. What an incredible experience to work with such amazing activists. During the weekend, Knights Out laid a wreath at the grave site of TSgt Leonard Matlovich and Arlington Cemetery for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We honored the service of all veterans, even as our country dismisses the service of its gay patriots.

November 2009
the month of magazines.

Fall 2009
Lecturing at universities about truth's consequences under Don't Ask Don't Tell: Harvard, West Point, Utah, Indiana, Iowa State, George Washington, Maine, Puget Sound, Syracuse, Rochester, Maryland, Claremont-McKenna, and many others.

At times, the journey was tough, but your encouragement and support kept me going. Throughout this year, the foundations of truth and love have replaced fear, shame and hypocrisy. There's no excuse to be afraid of the truth anymore, especially when we truly begin to understand love. Even with all its consequences, Love Is Worth It.

Your Friend,
Dan