Two Gay Soldiers Hide Identities After Attacked in Possible Hate Crime

Two Fort Carson, Colo., soldiers who were beaten by a group of men in a possible hate crime are withholding their identities from the military because they are gay, according to KRDO in Denver.

The men had just left a club Saturday night and were at a fast-food restaurant with one of the go-go dancers, who is a friend of theirs, when a group of men began taunting them for being gay, the report said.

One of the victims, a tanker in the military, described being repeatedly kicked in the head and ribs, and he said his right eye had swollen closed. Another victim's jaw had to be wired shut.

"I don't need people higher up knowing," one of the soldiers told KRDO about why he's decided to keep his identity a secret. "I still have to protect myself as far as on the military side."

The "don't ask, don't tell" policy is still in effect, with the Pentagon confirming that four airmen have been discharged in the last several weeks. Although the policy's repeal is expected to be certified in July or August, its impact on this case is obvious and detrimental, according to a group representing gay soldiers.

"We're concerned that these soldiers may not get the support they need because of the ongoing impact of 'don't ask, don't tell,'" said "JD Smith," OutServe's codirector, who also hides his identity because of the policy. "Will they be investigated for reporting the crime? Or for seeking medical help? These soldiers will have to literally lie at work to hide what's occurred to them."