The effects of this so-called pink scare lasted all the way through the 1980s, at least in the military, where I had to lie about my sexual orientationon on a polygraph test in order to maintain my security clearance.

I did not do well on the test, but I managed to keep my job. The stress was unbelievable. I actually sat under hot lights while two FBI agents fired questions at me.

I’m not even 60 yet, so this isn’t even approaching ancient history.