A US soldier has received high praise for standing on the front lines while wearing pink boxer shorts.When Army Specialist Zachary Boyd's unit came under fire from Taliban fighters in Afghanistan, he charged into the fight—straight from his bed. Wearing his Army-issued helmet and body armor, and his decidedly non-issue red t-shirt and pink "I Love NY" boxers, he valiantly fought off the enemy. A news photographer caught the scene in a photo that would eventually catch the eye of the Secretary of Defense.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Thursday praised an Army soldier in eastern Afghanistan who drew media attention this month after rushing to defend his post from attack while wearing pink boxer shorts and flip-flops.
..."I can only wonder about the impact on the Taliban. Just imagine seeing that: a guy in pink boxers and flip-flops has you in his cross-hairs. What an incredible innovation in psychological warfare," he said.
While I salute Specialist Boyd's courage—and that of all military personnel willing to risk their lives for their country—I do find the praise somewhat ironic. The same government and military leaders who continue to balk at allowing openly gay men and women to serve are now praising a soldier for wearing pink underwear on the battlefield.
Homophobia is a strange, strange thing. The full article can be read here.
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