Kind of funny, I remember the attempt on Ford's life quite well, and how could I forget the recent attack. In both cases, I didn't know either one was gay.

True Heroism then and now has no sexual orientation. It is purely Heroism.

My belief that Homosexuality is a choice does not change the fact that both these people are True Heros. As I see it, the author of this article, and the LA Times' motive is purely an attempt of being devisive and self serving rather than informative. They didn't listen to Pres. Obama at the Memorial Service.

Again, what difference does it make, a hero is a hero!

As long as Mr Hernandez' sexuality makes him a second class citizen, it is completely relevant to note it.

Mr Hernandez cannot serve in the military (DADT repeal is promised, but not done). Some of those opposed to repeal, who promise to reinstate DADT, would claim that gay people cannot function bravely in the military. It is very relevant that a gay man performed here heroically.

Mr Hernandez can be legally fired from his job for being gay. Arizona provides no protections for its gay citizens.

Mr Hernandez cannot marry the love of his life. 41 states deny him that right. Should he move to a state that allows his marriage, it evaporates at the border. As far as the federal government is concerned he would be unmarried, and his tax forms and passport would say "single".

Oh, and if he traveled abroad, he should be prepared to be insulted at the border, and if he fell in love with a foreign national, he would have to live in exile.

I will be happy to stop noting his (and my) sexuality when equality under the law makes it truly irrelevant.

Until then, it remains entirely relevant that he is gay.

(It's also worth noting that as an Hispanic Mr Hernandez could be pulled over by the police in AZ and they could demand his papers to prove his citizenship).

Susan L Forsburg

True Heroism then and now has no sexual orientation . . . My belief that Homosexuality is a choice

I keep trying to process these two statements---and I'm at a loss.

JC Fisher

Come now. I'm sure Mr. Rotsch will tell us the date he decided to become a heterosexual and, perhaps, be so kind as to share why he decided not to be a gay man.

Well, the fact that I have to live with so many disadvantages makes the sexuality of these heroes relevant to me. It seems to me that knowing how much LGBT people have to deal with would make it necessary to support their affirmation--the same as any other group might do. It's really about healing the hurt--and that seems like a Christian duty to me.

I do need to add that the tone towards Mr Rotsch bothers me. He may express something that worries me ("is a choice") but he seems to be reaching out in good faith. I think that we need to be careful to recognize and value that reaching out on his part.

Nick Wolfe

True Heroism is not a choice, it is an instinct.

Homosexuality on the otherhand is a choice. There is no "Gay Gene". The most logical explanation for cause is Temperment + Environment = either heterosexual or homosexual.

Temperment is that which we cannot control, such as Prenatal care, brain wiring, and genetics. Environment on the other hand is things such as parenting, peer pressure, and experiences. Sexual orientation is both the conditions put together.

Homosexuality nor Heterosexuality has nothing to do with Heroism. Ask any Metal of Honor winner. They all agree that their act was purely instinct and not for the purpose of glory.

Ms. Forsburg, as for Daniel Gonzales wanting to serve in the military is irrevelant. As for the love his life comment, that to is irrevelant. The majority of people that did marry the "Love of their Life" went thru a series of "Loves of their Life" before marrying. That's part of "Experience" (as referred to earlier)

"True Heroism is not a choice, it is an instinct. Homosexuality on the otherhand is a choice"

True heroism is actually overriding the instinct for self preservation - so I would call it a choice - generally comes from years of making choices that benefit the community.

re: homosexuality as a choice--- don't be ridiculous - who would choose a life of prejudice and possible physical harm and for years in the US - jail or death - which continues in places like Uganda and Iran. Just because there is no "gay gene" or we can't prove cause - proves nothing.

Mr Rotsch,

1) science and medicine are clear that homosexual orientation is a natural human variation. Not unlike being left-handed, in fact--another characteristic that was persecuted in days of old.

Like more human characteristics, it is far more complex than the actions of a single gene. But there is strong evidence of a genetic or inborn component, as you sort of admit.

As for your attempt to blame "experiences", it's probably best if you don't speculate about things of which you have no first hand knowledge. Medicine has clearly disproven the thesis that gay people arise from inappropriate parenting or psycho-sexual abuse. Most of us, in fact, grow up in happy, functional straight homes.

Perhaps you can learn more in this LA Times Op/Ed by two prominent geneticists here,

in this Genetics primer here,

in this article in New York Magazine,

or in this information page at the American Psychological Association here, the American Psychiatric Associationhere. You can also check out the AMA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (the real one, not George Rekers' fake version) for further statements of both the normalcy, and inherent nature of, homosexuality. Moreover, all these medical associations are opposed to "reparative therapy" abuses that try to make LGBT people deny who they. Interestingly we no longer beat children for using their left hand, either--something that was viewed as a choice, and abnormal.

Lesbians and gay exist in all populations and cultures. Homosexuality is also clearly inborn in many species of animals. Scientists and genetics are clear that for many if not most it is an innate characteristic.

Your denying of what we as LGBT people experience is, frankly, hurtful and dehumanizing.

2) As long as arguments are made against military service by LGBT people based on their presumed inability to be heroic, the inability of Mr Hernandez to serve remains very relevant.

Susan L Forsburg PhD