Lesbian Officer Back on Brink of Discharge

An Air Force officer who was told she would not be discharged even though she openly declared that she is a lesbian has learned she still may be discharged.

In July a male former officer who once dated Lt. Robin Chaurasiya provided her commanding officer with information proving she is gay. Officials dismissed the complaint, but Chaurasiya decided to come out publicly anyway. The Air Force general overseeing her case refused to recommend that she be let go.

However a more senior officer, Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., recommended Monday that she be honorably discharged, the Los Angeles Times reports. A final decision will be made by Air Force secretary Michael B. Donley.

"I am kind of heartbroken," she told the Times. "I felt my situation was hinting at changes. I really thought I would be able to lead the way for a more equal military."

However, the new directive to discharge Chaurasiya also stems from the fact that she and her partner entered into a civil union in New Hampshire in December.