I heard a comic tell a joke the other night about the ?dyke at Abu Ghraib,? and I knew just who he meant.Of course we don?t know if she?s gay or not, but she sure has a butch haircut and way of carrying herself.It sounds like the abuses were part of an interrogation plan devised much higher up (hello Rumsfeld), but even so those photos make me wonder about the role of American sexual repression in the abuse.When we aren?t honest with ourselves about our sexuality, it can come out in weird ways. That dyke-y looking soldier looks like so many of my friends. But I think my pals would have the integrity to not participate in those acts. They know the power of sexuality, because they?ve walked through the fire of self acceptance.I can imagine that a 20 year old from a rural community who may be fighting against her gay nature would be easily led. Anyone who is closeted or struggling against acknowledging their heart?s truth is less likely to stand up for what?s right. They are too busy trying to fit in.Being true to ourselves and our desires gives us strength to stand up for what we believe, even against the group.I hope this Gay Pride every queer person on the face of the earth has a moment of genuine pride in themselves. I imagine each of us taking one step, whether it's marching in a parade or coming out to a relative, toward being free, courageous and true to our desires.