At midnight on Sept. 20, 2011, the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law went into effect, ending 18 years of discrimination against gays and lesbians openly serving in the military and moving America one step closer to total equality.

The law was enacted on December 21, 1993, and prevented closeted gay and lesbian soldiers from being harassed for their sexuality. However, it barred soldiers that were openly homosexual or bisexual from serving. In a message to the nation published the night the repeal went into effect, President Obama described the law as discriminatory and went on to say that “we have taken another great step toward keeping our military the finest in the world and toward fulfilling our nations founding ideals.” Obama is absolutely right; we have taken that step by dissolving this unfair and oppressive law.

It is incredibly unjust to keep someone from serving their country, in some instances sacrificing life and limb, because of their sexuality. How can anyone neglect the bravery and willingness which is required to enlist in the military or serve in the field? How can this be discounted based on their lifestyle? Why should they have to lie to serve the country that they love? The answers are numerous and complicated because they differ from bigot to bigot. However, my response to the situation is clear: it isn’t right.

America was founded with one simple desire in mind: to be free. As such, Americans pride themselves on being advocates for personal freedom. However, it seems that everyone does not deserve freedom. For a long time, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBTs) struggled to find acceptance in America and even with their own families. For decades, they existed on the outskirts of society, distrusted and reviled by some; seemingly neglected by the passing of the civil rights movement. It’s unthinkable that in this country a person had to once lie about who they were to avoid discrimination, harassment and even being attacked. But it happened and is still happening. This repeal is a glimmer of hope, not just for gays an lesbians, but also for everyone. Hope that one day all people will gladly work and live together so that we may make this earth a world without fear and senseless, self-demeaning bigotry.

Now, who you love or who you are attracted to no longer determines whether or not you are suitable to serve your country. Now the country is back on track towards a more tolerant and open society.

So far the military reaction to the repeal has been mixed between jubilation and indifference. One soldier posted a video on YouTube, where he came out to his family and the world. The video is called “Telling My Dad I’m Gay-LIVE” and was posted by username areyousurprised.  According to the Associated Press, a Navy Lieutenant took advantage of Vermont’s recognition of same sex couples and married his longtime partner shortly after the repeal went into affect. All over, soldiers are coming out, unafraid and, I would think, more motivated to serve their country than ever before.

Strangely, the Pentagon is keeping everything very quiet where official opinion is concerned. It’s also noteworthy that Army recruiters report practically no change in the number of applications since the announcement and if you look in the news on the web, on TV and in the newspaper you’ll find very little opinion from soldiers.

In a way, the reactions of the military overall shows how this change should affect Americas view. For it or against it, it has happened and should be accepted. Be happy for those who can now stop living out a lie and can be themselves, as well as recognize that fairness has prevailed. However, don’t rub it in everyone’s faces. After all, the reason this policy was enacted was a stark division caused by resentment between LGBTs and everyone else; why reopen old wounds?

Live and love as you had before, but realize that you are part of a malleable society and part of an even larger, more volatile world. The world changes on a daily basis and the social norms of today will be the taboos of tomorrow, or vice versa. While we cannot know the future, we can make choices that will influence it; make the right choices that will lead to a just, peaceful and loving world. It is possible, but it will take time. Our time on earth is short-lived, so make it better for those that come after us.