The following is an op-ed written by your gig line.

We've been friends for a lot of years now and have gone through thick and thin. You've always been there for me through tough times, and I've always been there to make you look good and stand out amongst your peers. When you really think about it, we're basically brothers.

Which is why it's so hard for me to say this right now. I'm so worried about how you'll react and what you might say. But I've been hiding these feelings I've had for a long time and just hoped you would eventually pick up on the signals. Instead, you've been oblivious, and I need to just get this off my chest.

So look, I'm not straight.

Don't freak out, ok? I know this is hard for you to hear. Honestly, it was hard for me to say. Do you think I like to just hide out and not bear my true feelings to the world? But I need to just scream it from the rooftops and hope my true friends stick by me.

I'm not straight at all.

Stop looking at me like that.

No. Don't try to "fix" me. There's nothing to fix. This is the way I am, and you need to accept it. I'm different, and there's nothing you can say or do about it.

Sure, you could make some minor changes here or there, but deep down inside, I'll know, and you'll know, I'm not straight.

I just hope you, and the commanding officer who is inspecting your uniform today, can understand.