SLDN Media Alert

Tune in this evening to see SLDN client (and war vet) Austin Rooke (pictured) and Sharra Greer, SLDN's director of law policy, discussing the military's continued dismissal of gay and lesbian personnel. Their interview will air on Sinclair Broadcasting stations across the country later today.

To find out if there's a Sinclair station near you, click here.

- Steve Ralls

Also: You can watch last night's CNN segment, featuring SLDN, online here. And check out Paula Zahn's interview with dismissed Arabic linguist (and SLDN client) Stephen Benjamin, too.

News Hounds on FOX & Don't Ask, Don't Tell

If you happened to be tuned into FOX News on Saturday afternoon, you might have caught a segment on the network's The Big Story about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and the continued dismissal of lesbian and gay linguists. The segment featured Jason Knight, a Hebrew linguist who just got back from a tour of duty in Kuwait, and who was recently discharged under the ban.

When my phone rang on Saturday afternoon, the FOX producer assured me that, if we were able to find a linguist to speak on-air, that person would find the show's host, Julie Banderas (pictured), more "fair and balanced" than we might be expecting. And she was right.

On Sunday, the News Hounds blog (motto: We watch FOX so you don't have to) had this to say about the segment:

I couldn’t believe that I was watching Fox when Banderas said “the military are in desperate need of Arabic language specialists who help with the war on terror; but dozens are being fired because they’re gay.” The feeling that I had entered into an alternate reality was reinforced when she read an e-mail from a heterosexual soldier who said that he would be “honored to be joined by a homosexual on the front line.”

Banderas then read another e-mail form a straight soldier who said that he “had no problem serving with a homosexual battle buddy so long as they were expected to perform the same as everybody else. If they can do their job well and do everything as of part of team, what does it matter what they do behind closed doors. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – how and where you experience these freedoms weren’t part of the bargain.” Knight noted that this e-mail was consistent with the support that he received from his peers. He said that gays in the military are taught the same values of professionalism and respect for their job and “we all do it as well as everybody else and have every right to serve our country as well as anybody else.” To this eloquent statement, Julie Banderas, Fox employee, said “absolutely.”

At any rate, considering that this is Memorial Day Weekend – a time to honor the service of those who served and continue to serve honorably – this affirmation that gays in the military also serve honorably is fitting. One small step for Fox; one very big step for those in the gay community who, like their heterosexual counterparts, wear the uniform with dignity and pride.

Thanks to News Hounds for covering the segment, and to Banderas for truly stepping forward and trying to tell the real story behind "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." You can read the full News Hounds synopsis online here.

- Steve Ralls

Remembering General Tom Weinstein

The SLDN family is pausing today to remember General Tom Weinstein, who passed away on May 24. A member of SLDN's national advisory board, General Weinstein was an outspoken, heterosexual ally of the LGBT community, and a passionate advocate for repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

From this morning's Washington Post obituary:

"Gen. Weinstein was the principal architect of the modern military intelligence corps, his colleagues said, and was the crucial player in its expansion and professionalization. At a time when Army intelligence units were scattered under different commands, he brought them together and was responsible for the concept of intelligence and electronic warfare.

Lt. Gen. Keith Alexander, director of the National Security Agency, said Gen. Weinstein established the Army's master plan for intelligence "that set a course for the Army to have the best intelligence corps for the next decade or two. It was a tremendous jump forward."

Gen. Weinstein was also known for his commitment to talking to the troops, said Alexander, who worked for him several times. "He gave people the impression that you as a person could do anything, everybody was really gifted," Alexander said."

Our thoughts are with General Weinstein's family. He will be greatly missed.

- Steve Ralls

Tickets On Sale for Frameline31!

Get your tickets now for Frameline31, San Francisco's International LGBT Film Festival taking place June 14-24, 2007!

As you remember, SLDN is a proud sponsor of Semper Fi: One Marine's Journey, one of many films being screened during the film festival.

Here's the blurb on Semper Fi from Frameline:

Lance Corporal Jeff Key is one of the most patriotic people you'll ever meet. A gay man from Alabama, he felt there was something missing in his life, so, at age 34, he joined the Marines. They bent the rules to accommodate his age, but he kept his homosexuality a secret. Then, four hijacked planes changed the course of history on September 11, 2001.

Semper Fi blends documentary and interview footage with Key’s one-man theater performance about his tour of duty in Iraq as a closeted gay soldier. The story begins with him on a bare stage, wearing just white boxer shorts and his dog tags, waking up to news of the attacks. Key then leads us back in time to a conservative adolescence spent as a teen preacher with the burgeoning awareness of his sexuality. He eventually lands in the gay theater community of Los Angeles, where he shocks his friends by joining the Marines.

Stationed in Iraq, Key is confident in his decision to fulfill his love of God and country. But after “Mission Accomplished,” he sees a situation going terribly wrong. At the same time, it becomes more and more difficult to keep his sexuality a secret (especially with so many hot Iraqi men around him). He realizes that the mission isn’t working, and neither is the policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Semper Fi paints a refreshing portrait of a gay man we rarely meet and proves that patriotism, like sexuality, comes in many different packages.

And today (as long as you're a Frameline member), you can purchase your tickets for Semper Fi (to be screened on June 23rd at 1pm) and other great films!

For non-Frameline members, general public ticket sales begin on Friday, June 1. You can purchase your tickets at Superstar Satellite video store located at 474 Castro Street (between Market and 18th Street in San Francisco), online at www.frameline.org/festival, and by fax at 415 522 5543.

- Rebecca Sawyer

Honoring LGBT Military Personnel at the Cathedral of Hope

This Sunday, May 27, SLDN advisory board member Paul Dodd, a retired Army chaplain (and one of The Advocate's magnificent seven), will deliver a special Memorial Day weekend address at The Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, Texas.

The Cathedral of Hope is the world's largest LGBT church. Founded in 1987, the mission of the Cathedral is "to reclaim Christianity as a faith of extravagant grace, radical inclusion and relentless compassion." On Sunday, Paul will bring his powerful voice to the Cathedral with a sermon that highlights, in part, the service and sacrifice of America's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patriots. I was fortunate to preview the speech earlier this week, and it is an amazing tribute to those who serve our country.

If you cannot be in Dallas on Sunday, you can still watch Paul's sermon. Come back to Frontlines beginning around noon that day, and click here for a link to his presentation online. And join all of us at SLDN in thanking Colonel Dodd, and the 1 million+ other LGBT veterans in our country, for their service this Memorial Day weekend.

- Steve Ralls

Meeting Jason Knight

Jason Knight speaks to a reporter in Chicago. Photo by Julie Kruse.

It was a a privilege and fun to accompany Jason Knight last week on his 2-day trip to the University of Chicago to counter General Peter Pace’s address there!

General Pace was invited to address the Graduate School of Business before he made his infamous remarks on gays being “immoral”.

After Pace’s comments, 1,400 students and faculty of the University of Chicago then signed a position to un-invite him. They figured that a leader who gravely insults those who serve underneath him should not be held up to business students as a model of outstanding management practices.

When it became clear General Pace would indeed appear, three University of Chicago departments joined together to invite Jason Knight in response to Pace’s appearance. They didn’t want to silence General Pace but wanted to broaden the debate to include the views of a gay sailor who served under Pace.

When General Pace made his insulting remarks, Jason was serving in Kuwait as an openly gay sailor, out to other members of his unit. He took umbrage at Pace’s remarks, and said so in a brief letter to the Stars and Stripes. When the paper did a full article on him, the Navy began discharge proceedings against him under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. Jason’s final discharge papers came through the day after he spoke in Chicago.

The Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, the Divinity School, and the Center for Gender Studies at the University of Chicago pooled funds to invite Jason to respond to General Pace. He gave a talk to linguistic students about learning Hebrew at the Defense Language Institute in Monterrey, taking classes seven hours a day, five to six days a week for forty-eight weeks. This intensive training provided him with the skills to carry out simultaneous translation for the Navy.

Jason spoke again the next day on campus in “counterpoint” to General Pace’s comments, a few hours before Pace’s speech, describing his experiences as a gay sailor. He was joined by MSgt. Jean Albright who served in the Air Force for twenty years.

Then, outside the building where General Pace gave his speech, Jason spoke with nine media outlets, including the Chicago Tribune which originally broke the story of Pace’s remarks on gays. He reiterated his request that Pace apologize for his remarks.

It was great to spend time with Jason as he set the record “straight” about the outstanding service our gay, lesbian, and bisexual troops provide to our country despite having to live under the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law. The University of Chicago community learned what a waste it is for talented, skilled, highly trained service members to be “fired” by the military. The Navy has lost an outstanding linguist. Jason, however, has the skills and training the military provided him, and his whole life ahead of him.

- Julie Kruse

Making History

On June 14, the GLBT Historical Society in San Francisco will open its new exhibit, "Out Ranks," the nation’s first historical exhibit on the experiences of gays in the military.

“Out Ranks” tracks changes in military policy and conveys the stories of GLBT veterans and peace activists from WWII to Iraq . Almost 70 years of history is told through hundreds of letters, photographs, medals, uniforms, and video footage. The opening reception on Thursday, June 14th is free and open to the public from 6pm-8pm in the GLBT Historical Society’s main gallery at 657 Mission Street , 3rd Floor.

The “Out Ranks” exhibit follows two related timelines, running from 1941 to the present. One timeline tracks American military conflicts from WWII to Iraq , focusing on the roles of GLBT personnel. The other timeline charts the evolution of the ban on openly gay service personnel. The two timelines meet in the center of the exhibit in the present time as GLBT service personnel fight their rights even as they defend our country in both the military and peace movements.

Visitors to the exhibit are encouraged to walk between the timelines to explore when policies on gays in the military change and why, when and why discharges of GLBT servicemembers rise and fall, how social and political issues (such as AIDS, marriage, homophobia, and privacy) affect the military debate and how military service has affected the gay rights movement over time.

SLDN is proud to support the "Out Ranks" exhibit, which also features a profile of SLDN advisory board member Vince Patton, retired Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.

For more information, visit the GLBT Historical Society online.

- Steve Ralls

Pace Speaks Out at U of Chicago

At a speaking event last Friday at the University of Chicago, Marine General Peter Pace, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was asked about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Here's the snippet from the Chicago Maroon, the University of Chicago student newspaper:

“It is important for a nation to give all who want to serve the opportunity to serve.” The policy prohibits anyone who has engaged in homosexual activity from serving in the armed forces and also prohibits homosexuals or bisexuals from disclosing their sexual orientation. “Our armed forces are well served by diversity in many respects,” Pace said.

Now before you start thinking that Gen. Pace has reformed his ways and is now calling for repeal of the gay ban, keep reading:

“But we also have the law of our land. It allows all citizens who want to serve to have the opportunity. But as with many parts of military life, there are issues of conformity. I do support the law of the land because it does allow those who want to serve the opportunity to do so,” he said to applause from conference delegates.

On the one hand, he seems to say that the contributions of lesbian, gay and bisexual troops are important, but, on the other hand, he seems to condone discrimination simply because it's the law of the land...

Underneath that carefully crafted language of celebrating diversity is the pervasive bigotry that provides support for discriminatory laws like "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

And luckily, it's not up to Gen. Pace to repeal the law; it's up to Congress. If, unlike Gen. Pace, you truly believe that our "armed forces are well served by diversity in many respects," then call on your Member of Congress to repeal the ban now!

- Rebecca Sawyer

It's Official.

I just received the following email from Jason Knight:

"Well it is official. I got my new DD214 this morning with its gleaming RE4 code and Homosexual Statement."

(The RE4 code means Jason will never again be able to serve in the armed forces, and ensures that the Navy won't accidentally call him up for duty again.)

The U.S. military has just lost another dedicated, talented service member to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Every day, another two service members are dismissed under the ban, bringing the total to date to more than 11,000. They include linguists (like Jason), helicopter pilots and combat engineers, among others. And most, like Jason, have the respect and support of their fellow troops.

You can join Jason in speaking out against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" by emailing your Member of Congress and asking them to support the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, a Congressional bill to repeal the law. With each person who speaks up, we move one step closer to lifting the ban.

- Steve Ralls

Be Real, with Cholene Espinoza

SLDN board member Cholene Espinoza (pictured) isn't just a tireless crusader for repeal of the military's gay ban . . . and she isn't just the 2nd woman ever to fly a U2 reconnaisance mission . . . she's also an outspoken advocate for rebuilding the gulf coast, which is still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

On Monday, LOGO will present "Giving Back," part of the Be Real series. This week's episode is a look at Cholene's work, along with her partner Ellen, to build a community center in Mississippi. Cholene also write about her experience in Through the Eye of the Storm, a critically acclaimed book about her time on the coast following the devastation of Katrina.

Tune in to LOGO on Monday, and join us in saluting Cholene and Ellen's amazing work to make life a little better along America's gulf coast.

- Steve Ralls

Across the Pond

So this is what the future looks like.

The International Herald Tribune has an article out today on the state of the British military since they lifted the ban on open service in 2000.

One Royal Air Force officer tells his story of coming out to his squad:

"I said, 'Right, I've got something to tell you. I believe that for us to be able to work closely together and have faith in each other, we have to be honest and open and frank.

'And it has to be a two-way process, and it starts with me baring my soul. You may have heard some rumors, and, yes, I have a long-term partner who is a he, not a she.'"

And the conclusion? It wasn't a big deal. In fact, he says "he found that coming out to his troops actually increased the unit's strength and cohesion."

The article also, inevitably, compares and contrasts the status of gay military personnel in the British and American armed forces.

There was this interesting snippet about one British military officer who served alongside American service members in Iraq:

One major, an openly gay liaison officer in the British Territorial Army, told of an exchange he had in the southern Iraqi city of Basra with an American staff sergeant, far from home and anxious to confide.

"He privately let me know he was gay," the major said in an interview. "Not in a romantic way, but in a matter-of-fact way. He found it difficult, because he clearly had a whole part of his private life that he had to keep separate and distinct and couldn't discuss with people. He was in his mid-30s, with no girlfriend and no wife, and he had to use all these white lies."

Another, who served in Afghanistan, had this to say about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell:"

"I find it strange, coming from the land of the free and freedom of speech and democracy, given the changes in the world attitude," said a gay squadron leader in the Royal Air Force who recently returned from Afghanistan. "It's just not the issue it used to be."

Indeed.

Check out the rest of the story online at the International Herald Tribune.

- Rebecca Sawyer

Dorr's About Face

Robert Dorr, an Air Force veteran, and a frequent contributor to the opinion section of the Military Times, has done a stunning about face.

In a 2003 opinion column in the Air Force Times about the National Security Agency's decision to mark June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month for the agency, Dorr said this about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell:"

In my opinion, homosexuality is incompatible with military service.

Gay Americans always have served in the armed forces. They fought battles and suffered sacrifices. They deserve to be honored for their service. But private behavior should remain private.

Contrast that opinion with today's. In a column in a May 2007 issue of the Air Force Times, Dorr talks about those lesbian, gay and bisexual service members he knows, and highlights the story of TSgt Leonard Matlovich. He then salutes the service of all Americans by saying this:

I was wrong.

America has changed and become more tolerant. But even before America changed, I was wrong.

If I can change, so can you: It’s time to lift a ban that was never needed and welcome qualified gay Americans who wish to serve.

We salute you, Mr. Dorr, for standing up for equality and fairness for all Americans. Thank you for standing up for what's right.

Take the time to thank Mr. Dorr for his service and his courage. Email him at robert.f.dorr@cox.net and let him know your thoughts. Better yet, send a letter to the editor (along with your name, address, daytime phone, and rank) in support of Mr. Dorr's about face at airlet@airforcetimes.com.

As more leaders -- civilian and military alike -- stand up in support of lifting the ban, the closer we are to the day when all Americans can serve, regardless of sexual orientation.

- Rebecca Sawyer

A Response to General Pace

This Friday, the University of Chicago Center for Gender Studies, NELC and the Divinity School will be hosting A Response to General Pace: Former Officers Expose Queer Life in the Military, at 9am in Room 122 of the University's Social Sciences Building.

Former Navy Petty Officer Jason Knight and Retired Air Force MSgt Jean Albright (pictured) will provide a counter-point to General Peter Pace's mid-day address to the Graduate School of Business, and his recent denunciation of homosexuality as 'immoral.'

You can also catch Jason on Thursday, from 3-4pm, speaking to language students about his work as a military translator and his interest in Modern Hebrew. That discussion will take place in Cobb 302.

- Steve Ralls

'Tell' Comes to NewFest

Tell, a new documentary from filmmaker Tom Murray, is coming to NewFest, the 2007 New York Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Film Festival. Tell will screen on Tuesday, June 5, at the AMC Loews 34th Street Theatre.

From the NewFest site:

Documentarian Tom Murray (the maker of last year’s Almost Myself) returns to NewFest with another timely film exploring the US military’s shameful “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. As in his previous films, Murray puts a human face to the issue by interviewing a diverse range of LGBT would-be soldiers and veterans, as well as representatives from organizations fighting for an end to “don’t ask, don’t tell,” and for equal treatment and respect to those who have already proudly served. With no real end in sight to the US’s current military involvement abroad, Tell adds to the debate by questioning why willing and able potential recruits are kept from serving based on institutionalized discriminatory practices.

For more information on NewFest and Tell, click here.

- Steve Ralls

Who's Joining the Fight?

Later today, SLDN will announce that a major public figure has joined the coalition of leaders calling for Congress to revisit "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Here are some hints: They have won a major international prize; they are a veteran; and they have published 21 books on a wide variety of issues.

Guess who it will be, in the comments section below.

- Steve Ralls

UPDATE: Our commenter was right! Click here for more information on Jimmy Carter's statement about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Video: Jason Knight Talks to GMA

If you missed Good Morning America's exclusive interview with Jason Knight on Sunday, you can still catch it online here.

"I was really surprised. It was something that took my breath away," Jason told Good Morning America Weekend Edition anchor Bill Weir. "I didn't expect it. All of a sudden I had orders to go back to Kuwait. It took a few days to let it process and then I just anted up."

"I feel that every American that no matter what background they're from has the opportunity and the right to serve their country," he said. "The people that I worked with it all knew. It was a non-issue so that's probably why it didn't go up the chain of command. I never had any negative feedback from anybody. ... It's just another part of who I am. It didn't affect anything."

For the full interview, click here.

- Steve Ralls

Jason Knight on GMA Sunday

Hear Jason Knight tell his story about being openly gay, recalled to active duty and booted under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" this Sunday on Good Morning America Weekend. Check your local listings for times and stations.

- Steve Ralls

What The Navy Did Today

When I arrived at the office around 8am this morning, I had a voicemail, left late yesterday evening, from Jason Knight:

"I just got a call from a JAG Officer in San Diego here, and I'm supposed to report tomorrow morning . . . they're going to discharge me under the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy . . ."

Despite Jason's love for the Navy (which comes though loud and clear in every conversation I have with him) . . . despite the fact that he showed up for duty, no questions asked, when many people are trying to avoid another Middle East deployment . . . and despite the stellar feedback his superiors and colleagues had for him in last weekend's Stars & Stripes interview, the Navy decided it was important to make sure Jason was dismissed for being gay, and prevented from ever reporting for duty again.

And they did it all just 17 days before the scheduled end to his current, one-year commitment.

We also learned today that Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon says more troops are needed to stop the bloodshed in Iraq; that there is woefully inadequate healthcare in our veterans' health care system; and that there are new concerns about the "surge" of troops in Iraq.

But, despite all those pressing matters to deal with, the Pentagon found time today to fire Jason Knight because he happens to be gay.

As Sharra Greer, our director of law and policy, said today: "Our nation should be embarrassed that our armed forces are forced to respond to Knight’s selfless service with a government-sanctioned pink slip."

What does Jason think about the whole experience? Find out when he speaks live to Good Morning America this Sunday.

And leave your own messages and comments for him here in our comments section. We'll make sure to pass them along.

- Steve Ralls

Fighting DA, DT in California

Congratulations to California State Senator Christine Kehoe (pictured) and our friends at Equality California! On Tuesday, state lawmakers approved a resolution calling on the federal government to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".

The Senate Judiciary Committee passed SJR6, authored by Senator Kehoe, D-San Diego, and sponsored by Equality California, urging Congress and President Bush to adopt the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2007 (H.R. 1246). The federal bill would prohibit discrimination in the military based on sexual orientation. SJR6, which passed the committee by a 3-2 vote, is co-authored by a total of 10 California lawmakers.

"Qualified, patriotic service members who want to serve their country are being dismissed from the military for no other reason than their sexual orientation," said Sen. Kehoe. "As a result, these service members must live with the stigma of being forced out of the military and taxpayers are left to pay millions of dollars to replace some of our most competent and well-trained troops."

California joins a growing list of local and state resolutions opposing the military's ban. For infomration on how to sponsor a resolution in your city, click here.

- Steve Ralls

Do Tell: Jason Knight Responds

Update: Pam has just posted some of Jason's responses to questions from Blenders on Pam's House Blend.

Here are Jason's responses from a selection of questions left here at Frontlines. Also check in later today at Pam's House Blend, for responses to questions from blogger extraordinare Pam Spaulding!

______

1. Dear Jason,

Congratulations! You are a true inspiration and bring renewed hope to the thousands of brave and patriotic lgbt service members in America's military, and the million or so of us who are retirees and vets! And, your life changing story could not have come at a better time in our long struggle for justice and equality. I'm reminded of Mordecai's probing question to Esther, when he asked, "...And who knows but that you have come to (this) position for such a time as this?"

Jason, I have one question for you -- a question I often ask our lgbt service members. What about the chaplain? Is your chaplain supportive, trusting, available and understanding? Having spent 31 years in uniform as an Army Chaplain, I am intensely concerned that our chaplains serve all of their service members with the dignity and honor they so rightly deserve. Sadly, I have heard of far too many instances where that has not been the case. I sincerely hope your experience has been positive.

Know that you will remain in my thoughts and prayers as you continue your heroic and historic journey.

Sincerely,
Paul W. Dodd
Chaplain (Colonel), U.S. Army (Ret.)

Colonel Dodd:

Wow, what a great question. I myself have not spoken to a chaplain, however I know they are supportive to the troops. However, I know the issue of religion and homosexuality comes up and I know of a few cases where servicemembers confided in the chaplain, but were reported to their command. It's a shame, especially someone who is struggling with thier own sexuality and in need of counsel. That is just another reason why the ban should be lifted.

Thanks, and thank you for your service.

2. Jason,

Did you consider refusing to rejoin the miulitary since they kicked you out until they did away with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell?"

It is one thing for Conservative bigots to kick gays out but if we refused to serve they would have a nervous breakdown.

John Selig
Dallas, TX

I did consider it. But I love the Navy and the military, its just unfortunately under bad policy. I want to defend my nation, as every American has the right to. So I went willingly and out of the closet. Thanks John.

3. Jason,

What would you say to a young, out gay man considering joining the military?

Would you consider meeting with DOD Secretary Gates and discussing why DADT is even worse then Apartied and Segregation since it not only separates, but makes people live a lie and being in the Navy is all about honor and courage. He seem very intellectual and perhaps he will listen. Maybe he is sensitive to others? I just believe that the tide is turning and this man is our only hope to get through to everyone else.

Sincerely,
Lisa USA Veteran
In San Diego

Lisa,

Unfortunately, there is no way that the DOD will allow an openly gay person in, like myself-some cases slip by. But I plan to do everything I can possibly do to help get rid of the ban. It's only a matter of time. :) Thanks Lisa.

4. Jason,

First off, THANK YOU for your service. And thank you for the courage to make your story public and help shed a light on the hypocricy of the policy.

I have two questions for you:

1. What was your immediate, gut reaction when you received the notification that you were being recalled? I imagine it was something along the lines of "you've got to be kidding me!"

2. Since your story has gone public, what has been the reaction of your current and former shipmates? I hope it has been supportive, but I suspect not in all cases.

Your story is an important one - keep telling it!

Warm regards,

Zoe Dunning, CDR, SC, USNR

CDR Dunning

HAHAHA! Me and my roommate said that very thing in unison. It was shocking! I couldn't believe it and when I decided to go, she said "After all they did to you? Are you crazy?" I don't know, maybe I have that need to serve, need to feel that I can make some kind of difference. Missing the camaraderie, the Navy itself, as I am sure you feel. It is crazy! There has been so much support from so many people. Even people I have never met before have contacted me. If there is negative out there, it sure hasn't come to me yet. But it's not anything I can't face when it comes. Thanks so much. Hoorah Navy!

5. Thank you and Congratulations to you not only for your patriotism and love of you country, but for being selfless enough and brave enough to not only join the military, but to be the face of the GLBT military community. Whether you chose it or not, your story is going to be extremely important to many GLBT servicemembers.

I wonder what your advice would be to GLBT servicemembers who are currently overseas? How would you advice them as far as their openness?

Good luck to you!

Jen Mionske

Hey Jen,

Its very tough to judge the situation. You really need to ask yourself if you will be willing to accept the consequences should word get out further than you plan. My best advice would be to first tell your friend, someone you feel closest to and trust. You would not believe how liberating it feels to tell someone, even if it is just one person. I hope that helps. Thanks Jen for your kind words.

6. First, I want to say thank you for putting a face on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" It has needed a persons face for a long time. I am sure you do not feel like a Hero, just doing what you feel is right. Yet, you are a Hero to so many people. My question for you is Do you have any plans after your year of active duty, if not renewed, to go public with a fight against the policy in which you were dismissed? Once again Thank You for standing up for your beliefs! You have been given a great setting to enact change.

Andrew Shelton
Boonville, IN

Wow Andrew,

You hit the nail on the head. I really don't feel much like a hero at all. I sent a letter in, not even thinking it would be published and boom! It's everywhere. Yes it is overwhelming, but I realize that this has been put on me and yes, I do feel obligated to do all I can for the GLBT community, and that I will. I am sure the Navy will not want me back, so yes I plan on doing as much volunteer work as I can. Maybe, even if small, I can help to make a difference. Thanks so much for your support Andrew.

Thanks guys! Wow this was great, and Andrew's comments really hit me. Look forward to more.

Jason

Do Ask: Questions for Jason Knight

Frontlines is partnering with Pam's House Blend to give our readers an opportunity to submit questions for a blog interview with Navy Petty Officer Jason Knight. Jason's story - of serving openly in Kuwait after being recalled to active duty - has been the topic du jour on news outlets across the country.

Now, our readers get a chance to ask Jason their own questions!

Here's how it works:

Leave your question here in the comments section of Frontlines. Then, later this evening, SLDN and The Blend will choose some of those questions for our interview with Jason. Then, look for your answers in Pam's upcoming interview!

- Steve Ralls

UPDATE: Thank you to everyone at Frontlines and The Blend who submitted questions for Jason. We have forwarded a sample of your questions along to him, and will be posting his responses soon! Feel free to continue posting questions, and we'll try to do a second round with Jason in a few days.

John McCain Doesn't See Dead People . . .

. . . and so he cannot, apparently, tell you if Barry Goldwater still supports gays in the military. But he can tell you that he certainly does not.

The Senator (and 2008 presidential candidate), whose predecessor from Arizona was none other than Goldwater himself, recently spoke at a Google candidate forum in California, where he was asked about his stance on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." After the gathering, CBS 5 reporter Hank Plante followed up on the question, asking specifically about McCain's recent letter to SLDN.

As you can see from their report, McCain stands by his defense of the ban and insists, despite a recent poll showing that 73% of troops are comfortable with gays, that they really aren't.

Oh yes, and Barry Goldwater is apparently dead.

- Steve Ralls

The Writing on the Wall

Stars & Stripes reported yesterday on the case of Seamen Burnell Wright and Shaniqua Washington, two sailors onboard the USS Kitty Hawk who found themselves the targets of anti-gay harassment . . . and soon found themselves out of a job.

"The writing," as the paper reported on Sunday, "was on the wall."

Wright and Washington, who are both married and bisexual, found "Washington Loves Wright" scrawled on a bathroom wall. Then, shortly thereafter, a more threatning message appeared: "Dyke bitches gonna get stitches," along with other, equally disturbing graffiti. Washington even found lesbian pornography on her ship rack. Feeling unwelcome and threatened aboard the ship, both women left the service under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

"We were being singled out," Wright said. “We were forced to quit because what we were going through on the ship."

"They said they had seen 'Soldier’s Girl' a few months ago," the paper reported, "a movie about the 1999 killing of Army Pfc. Barry Winchell in Fort Campbell, Ky. It exemplified the worst-case scenario of what could happen in a homophobic military, they said. Winchell was dating a pre-operative transsexual when he was beaten to death with a baseball bat by two members of his company."

Winchell was also the subject of base graffiti in the days leading up to his murder.

To the credit of the Kitty Hawk's command, however, it appears that the harassment was taken seriously, and the sailors treated as fairly as the law allows.

The graffiti was removed, and the sailors, per their request, were dismissed under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Washington received an honorable discharge, but Wright’s chain of command recommended a general discharge — a much lower discharge characterization. The Kitty Hawk’s commanding officer, Capt. Ed McNamee, however, rejected the board’s recommendation and changed Wright’s discharge to honorable.

The resolution, though, doesn't resolve the difficult choice too many troops have to make: Continue a career they love, or go to work every day in an environment that is, by federal law, officially unwelcoming to them.

- Steve Ralls

Mike Gravel Speaks Out on DADT

We posted earlier about former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel's strong support of repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Here's Gravel on Toniq TV speaking out on the ridiculousness of the current law and of the presence of lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals in the militaries of ancient Greece:



-Rebecca Sawyer

Will the Government Really Stop Spying?

Eric Resnick at Gay Peoples Chronicle has the latest on the government's surveillance of American citizens.

You may remember that, last week, James Clapper, undersecretary of defense for intelligence, told reporters that he intends to stop the controversial TALON program, which collected data on, among other groups, students opposed to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

But Resnick says, not so fast. From his report in today's paper:

" . . . Clapper does not have the authority to end the program. That can only come from Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who has given no indication what he will do with the recommendation or when. In the mean time, the program continues."

So will Gates follow Clapper's suggestion? Will he rely on a new surveillance program reported by The New York Times earlier this week? Or will TALON stay in place, monitoring the constitutionally protected political demonstrations of U.S. citizens?

There's no final word on what happens next, but SLDN will keep watching, and reporting, on who the government is watching, too.

- Steve Ralls

Intolerable.

This morning, SLDN released a letter from Senator John McCain (R-AZ), also a 2008 presidential hopeful, outlining his thoughts on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Among other things, McCain insists that openly gay troops would present "an intolerable" risk to the armed forces and straight men and women in uniform.

McCain, famous for traveling in the 'Straight Talk Express,' doesn't mince words:

"I believe polarization of the personnel and breakdown of unit effectiveness is too high a price to pay for well intentioned but misguided efforts to elevate the interests of a minority of homosexual servicemembers above those of their units."

"Most importantly, the national security of the United States, not to mention the lives of our men and women in uniform, are put at grave risk by policies detrimental to the good order and and discipline which so distinguish America’s Armed Services. … I remain opposed to the open expression of homosexuality in the military."

Time for some 'straight talk' of our own.

The real questions are these: Are the gay doctors attending to the wounded an intolerable risk, or a welcome addition to the forces? Are the gay linguists translating Arabic for soldiers on the ground an intolerable risk, or a highly valued part of the military team? And are the openly gay British troops in Iraq an intolerable risk, or an important ally in the fight?

Would Senator McCain send the British troops home?

Are the gay troops intolerable? Or are McCain's views - putting discrimination ahead of the best interests of those on the ground - intolerable?

Think Progress weighs in:

McCain’s personal beliefs are antiquated and ill-informed. The overwhelming majority of the military supports equal rights for all servicemembers. Last December, a poll of servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan found that 73 percent were “comfortable with lesbians and gays.” A 2004 poll found that a majority of junior enlisted servicemembers believed gays and lesbians should be allowed to serve openly in the military, up from 16 percent in 1992. Furthemore, 55 percent of Americans believe “gays and lesbians should be allowed to serve openly in the military.”

McCain claims that permitting gays to serve is detrimental to national security, but since Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was instituted, at least 11,000 servicemembers, hundreds of whom had with key speciality skills such as training in Arabic, have left the military. While McCain vigorously backs the plan to send thousands of troops to Iraq, he should note that the military could attract as many as 41,000 new recruits if gays could serve openly.

You can read Senator McCain's full letter here, and discuss his statement at the Think Progress website.

- Steve Ralls

Living History

This past weekend, out-going SLDN executive director Dixon Osburn (pictured, with the cast of Showtime's The L Word at SLDN's national dinner) sat down with reporter Bob Roehr for an in-depth conversation about the organization, lifting the ban and the history of the LGBT civil rights movement. The result is a must-read interview in this week's issue of Windy City Times.

From Bob's story:

“People ask, ‘How did you start it?’ I say, ‘Very naively,” Osburn replies with the self-deprecating humor that has helped to make him so effective. Another veterans’ group loaned them office space for three months and, after that, they were on their own.

“Had you told me 13 years ago you are going to run a $3 million organization, and galvanize a community on this issue, and get a former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs [of Staff] to speak up, I would have said you’re crazy,” he said. “But it’s been a blast.”

SLDN “was very entrepreneurial, very scrappy,” Osburn said. “We really did burn the midnight oil, scrapping together the money and slowly growing, thinking very carefully about what we could do with the funds. It was primarily helping soldiers and trying to educate the public.”

They kept the pressure on the Pentagon, highlighting violations of its own policy within the ranks, and putting human faces to the travesty of the policy—the destruction of careers and, in the case of Barry Winchell, his brutal murder at the hands of a homophobe, which the Army at first tried to deny.

“All of a sudden you had a debate going about what Don’t Ask Don’t Tell really means and does,” says Osburn. “Over 13 years, public opinion shifted dramatically in our favor—from a bare majority in 1993 in our favor to 79 percent today.” Little of that would have happened had it not been for SLDN.

____

You can read Bob's full interview online here.

- Steve Ralls

Paying My Rent

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker observed that “Activism is my rent for living on this planet.” For almost 20 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to spend my activist energies working for the LGBT community. I am proud to continue that work with you at SLDN – especially at this exciting time for our movement.

For more than 13 years, SLDN has been an irreplaceable lifeline for LGBT service members and their loved ones. Thanks to SLDN, our brothers and sisters in uniform rest a little easier at night. SLDN has always had a stellar reputation and a great track record – and after just over one week as the interim executive director, I can see why. The staff, board and advisory board are mission-focused, committed to helping those we serve, and dedicated to repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Once and for all.

To all of SLDN’s donors, volunteers, staff, board members, clients and allies, I say thank you for contributing your activist energies to this noble cause. Together, we are tearing down the walls of discrimination. What an amazing way to pay our rent!

- Kathleen DeBold

P.S. Please know that my ‘virtual door’ is always open. If you would like to contact me directly, please email kjd@sldn.org. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank You, Rep. Andrews!

On Thursday April 26th Representative Rob Andrews (D 1st - NJ) signed on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 1246, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (MREA). As most of you know, if enacted, this legislation would replace "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" with an open service policy that respects all our service members. I am a constituent of Representative Andrews (pictured) and am thrilled that he recognizes how damaging this policy is to both our readiness in a time of war and our service members serving under the policy.

MREA was originally introduced in the 109th Congress. I, along with many others, have worked hard since then to bring Representative Andrews on as a co-sponsor. We have made numerous phone calls to Representative Andrews' district and Washington offices. We have organized a letter writing campaign coinciding with JAG interviews on the campus of Rutgers Law School which is in Representative Andrew's district. And eventually I met with the Representative in person to discuss the bill.

When I met with him I told him my personal story. I served in the 82nd Airborne from 1991-1993 during the time the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy was introduced. On the day the policy was adopted my company commander declared during evening formation that if there were any "faggots in his company, he would kill them himself." I also shared with Representative Andrews my colleagues' accounts of long careers ruined and unit cohesion destroyed because of witch hunts under the policy. Finally, I emphasized to Representative Andrews the policy's harmful effects to our national security, in a time of war when critical specialties are desperately needed.

Representative Andrews' decision to co-sponsor H.R. 1246 is evidence of his dedication to equality and a strong national defense. His decision shows respect for the professionalism of our armed forces and recognizes the military's historic role as a leader in civil rights. I applaud Representative Andrews for his decision to sign on as a co-sponsor. I encourage all of you to reach out to your Representative and encourage them to do so as well.

- Matt Rudolphi

Our Thoughts Are With Carol

Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun (pictured), a long-time advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members (and a former SLDN national dinner keynote speaker) was mugged outside of her home in Chicago on Friday.

From the Associated Press:

Former U.S. senator and presidential candidate Carol Moseley Braun suffered a broken wrist when a mugger tried to steal her purse, authorities said Saturday.

Braun, 59, was standing at her front door late Friday when an assailant came out of the bushes and tried to take her purse, said her spokesman, Kevin Lampe. When Braun resisted, the man pulled a knife and cut the strap of the purse.

During the struggle, Braun fell, fracturing her left wrist. She was later treated and a released from a hospital.

Braun, a Democrat, became the first black woman elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992, serving one term. She lost her re-election bid to Peter Fitzgerald in 1998. After her defeat, President Clinton appointed her ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. She made a run for the presidency in 2004.

All of us at SLDN wish Ambassador Braun a speedy recovery.

- Steve Ralls