Who's Your Hero?

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the LGBT newsmagazine The Advocate is asking readers to log on and vote for their top 40 LGBT heroes. The editors have a list of 100 contenders already compiled, and you can add your own nominee as well.

(Of special note to SLDN supporters will be Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer, an SLDN advisory board member and Leonard Matlovich, a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran who 'came out' on the cover of Time magazine.)

Log on today, and vote for your top 40!

- Steve Ralls

8000 Rap Sheets; 100 Felons

Last night's CBS Evening News had an eye-opening report on just how low the military will go to fill its ranks. According to CBS, among the recent recruits for the U.S. Army, 8000 had some sort of criminal background and 100 of those were convicted felons.

"The number of incoming soldiers with prior felony arrests or convictions has more than tripled in the past five years," correspondent Kimberly Dozier reported.

"In order for the Army to meet its quota, which is going up … they have to resort to giving, taking more and more chances on people," said Lawrence Korb of the Center for American Progress (and an SLDN advisory board member). "The stakes are very high. You're going to give these people lethal weapons… so you better be damn sure that this man or woman has the self-discipline and the strength to be able to use that weapon only when he or she must."

Colonel Sheila Hickman told CBS that "We've always been an Army that's been known to give patriotic citizens second and third chances."

Unless, of course, you happen to be gay.

While 8000 recruits were given 'moral waivers' to enter military service, 11,000 perfectly well-qualified troops were fired because they happen to be lesbian, gay or bisexual. Nearly 800 of those had 'mission-critical' skills, including more than 300 with language training. But what most of them didn't have was a criminal record.

Shouldn't that be a good thing?

As long as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" stays on the books, the Pentagon will continue shooting itself in the foot, day after day. How many more rap sheets will have to fill DoD filing cabinets before military leaders speak up and demand a change that allows them to recruit better troops, even if they happen to be gay?

- Steve Ralls

Britain's Big Gay Payout

...as titled in a post today on Queerty. For those of you who don't know, Britain rid their ban on Lesbian and Gay personnel in 2000, and had officially apologized last month to all of those booted under the law.

Now the Ministry of Defense is planning to shell out 3 million pounds, just over 6 million US dollars to servicemen and women who were 'sacked' for being gay. The Royal Navy and Air Force are part of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Scheme which promotes practice and advises on how to create equality in the workplace.

"Of course we're sorry for anyone who's suffered personal trauma. It went from 'You're fired' to 'You're a valued member of the team" said Wing Commander Phil Sager of the British Armed Forces Joint Equality and Diversity Training Centre.

- Jason Knight

If You Ask Them, They Won't Come

So they have used YouTube to promote themselves, but when it comes to answering questions from the public, they can't seem to anty up. With hundreds of YouTubers posting questions for the upcoming Republican Debate, only two have accepted the invite - Senator John McCain (AZ) and Rep. Ron Paul (TX).

Giuliani, Romney, and Tancredo all have their own YouTube pages with videos promoting their campaign, so why won't they show?

"I think the presidency ought to be held at a higher level than having to answer questions from a snowman," Governor Romney said, commenting on the Democratic Debate this past month. Granted, the snowman was a bit kooky. But because it came from a lowly citizen, does it make it less relevant?

"You hear a lot about supporting the troops from the Republicans, and we're not getting any kind of support from the government ..... We are getting more than 15-month deployments. We are getting cut out of our bonuses. .... How will you support the troops?" Erin Neaves asked on her uploaded video.

So will they show? Or will they not? Only time will tell. At least we know that Congressman Paul, who seems to be racking up the questions, will attend. Vote here for the questions you want to see answered.

- Jason Knight

Goldwater on Goldwater: 'Mr. Conservative' on DVD

As I reflect back on the making the film Mr. Conservative: Goldwater on Goldwater, I think no one could have predicted the relevance of Barry Goldwater’s wisdom in today’s political climate. With the election right around the corner, I hope this movie inspires people to fight, like Barry, for their civil liberties and stand-up for their lifestyle choices and values.

This ninety minute documentary film (now available on DVD) is about the complexities of a man who did all he could for his country, in a truthful and honest way.

The 1964 election was the first time we got a real look at "electronic dirt." As the elections approach, the political camps are gearing up to sway the voters through negative ads, distortions of truth, manipulation of the media and, most sadly of all, through playing on our fears. The spinners and distorters who attacked my grandfather’s candidacy over 40 years ago have honed their tactics to an art form of negativity.

It’s so blatantly sad when political candidates cannot answer a simple yes or no question about any issue without having to resort to a long-winded avoidance of it. I know that if my grandfather had been a candidate in this era, what he said would have made for some very interesting sound bites.

This film points out what has happened to the Conservative movement of Goldwater’s years. Politicians have put themselves above the principles upon which this country was founded. Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are considered philosophical documents, not political ones. Yet that hasn’t stopped political parties from claiming these principles as if they were the only ones who practice them.

The Constitution was Barry’s Bible. He felt strongly about what it represented and the guidance it gave to establishing our government.

There are immigrants who come to America from all over the world and are applying for US citizenship who must learn about our government and founding fathers. Most of them cherish this opportunity because when you learn about our struggle for freedom and the rights that go with that, it’s a truly inspiring story.

But all is not lost. We have an opportunity to re-gain confidence in our Nation, it’s just going to take some straight talk and honesty.

Throughout my life, I was encouraged to be honest and truthful to all I came in contact with. We need to encourage our youth to do the same. It will save us a lot of grief. That all begins with our leaders, the people we look up to our parents and government. We have to have something that we can trust and believe in with no fear. Trust and fear cannot co-exist at the same time. Anyone who motivates our decisions by fear cannot restore the principles of a country founded in freedom.

I hope you enjoy this movie and support the candidate of your choice. As long as they abide by those principles and will run our country and not our lives. Whether you believe in Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed or the whispering pine trees, we all are entitled to our belief and that’s our right.

As my grandfather would say, the government has no right in our personal lives and I will stand by that till the day I die.

Among those interviewed for this film include Hillary Clinton, Edward Kennedy, John McCain, John Warner, James Carville, Al Franken, John Dean, Ben Bradlee, Helen Thomas, Walter Cronkite, Andy Rooney, George Will, Bob Schieffer, Robert MacNeil, various Goldwater family members and members of Goldwater’s personal staff.

Mr. Conservative: Goldwater on Goldwater is available now through zeitgeistfilms.com, and other video retailers.

- CC Goldwater

Speaking Out in California

SLDN board co-chair Zoe Dunning (pictured) testified, on July 26, at the California Commission on the Status of Women at the state capitol. The hearing focused exclusively on lesbian issues, and Dunning was invited to speak about the impact of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" on female service members.

You can watch the hearing, including Zoe's talk and a Q&A, by clicking here. (The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" portion begins about 10 minutes into the video.)

Zoe reports that the reception from the Commissioners was overwhelmingly positive.

- Steve Ralls

Cast Your Vote!

What questions would You like to see asked at the upcoming Republican Debate?

Well here is your chance to vote on the questions you want answers to.

We have submitted our own question for the debate. Specifically for Congressman Ron Paul, but generally for all candidates, the focus on the question asks where the importance of the private lives of troops ranks up against other issues and asks whether the candidate, being a vet himself, would be proud to serve alongside another servicemember who happens to be gay.

Cast your vote. You can vote for our question by going here and typing "DADT Question for Ron Paul" in the 'Search Titles' block.

-Jason Knight

More Misinformation from George Brauchler

George Brauchler, the deputy district attorney in Colorado who sparked a controversy by comparing gays in the military to "kids in a candy store," is again misleading the public about the facts surrounding military service.

As our friends at Colorado Media Matters point out, Brauchler tried to defend his homophobic tirade about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" by insisting that people of faith don't have equal opportunity in the armed forces either.

From Media Matters:

Claiming that he was "not making a moral judgment about the rightness or wrongness of homosexuality," Brauchler stated that "the military asks everybody that's a part of it to make a sacrifice." As examples, he said that "practicing orthodox Jews ... don't get to keep the Sabbath holy" and Catholics in the service "don't have a right to insist upon the Eucharist." He also stated that Muslim soldiers "don't have the right to insist on being able to pray ... five times a day by facing a certain way." Brauchler concluded his comments by saying, "We discriminate against people coming into the military based on height, weight, eyes, a whole list of medical things. All of these things are done so that we can have the most effective fighting force with the greatest chance of success for the mission."

In fact, all branches of the military follow Department of Defense policy stating that service members' religious practices "should be accommodated" whenever possible. Tolerance for lesbian and gay service personnel, hwoever, is officially out of the question, however, because of the federal ban on their service.

Let's try - once more - to educate Mr. Brauchler (who has also defended Ann Coulter's infamous 'faggot' remark about former Senator John Edwards) about the facts. Join SLDN and Media Matters in calling on him to set the record, um, "straight," and tell the truth about the second-class status forced onto our service members by "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Send your thoughts to:

George Brauchler
Caplis & Deasy
500 Jefferson County Pkway
4600 S. Syracuse St.
Denver, CO 80237
Phone: (303) 770-5551
E-mail: GHB@Caplislaw.com

It's time George Brauchler (deputy district attorney!) learned what the law really says.

- Steve Ralls

On Bilerico: Elaine Donnelly Is Confused

Right-wing activist Elaine Donnelly has never met a woman or a gay man she liked. Donnelly, who has spent much of her adult life trying to roll back opportunities for both groups in the United States military, now proclaims the American people to be "confused" about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and she's advocating a name change. The truth, of course, is that no one is more confused about the facts, or the law, than Donnelly herself.

Continue reading Elaine Donnelly Is Confused on Bilerico.com . . . .

A Few Good Women

Writer Seeks Interviews

A female playwright seeks research interviews with lesbian veterans and active servicewomen who've served (or are currently serving) under DADT. All interviews kept strictly confidential, and no one will be quoted with attribution (named) in the final product. In-person conversations preferred (Southern CA, New York and Seattle areas can be arranged), but phone and email also helpful. Writer has extensive experience writing about veterans and veterans' issues, including those battling PTSD and addiction. Any survivors of sexual harassment /abuse can also be assured such information will be treated with utmost care and privacy.
Help get your stories heard.

For more information, or if interested, please email TD at soapbox247@gmail.com

Tell the Whole Truth

If I never hear another candidate say, "I would get rid of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'" it would be outstanding. Monday night, as I watched the CNN YouTube debates, I was stung once again by a candidate who is fumbling for support by making promises he can't keep. I am, of course, talking about Gov. Richardson's promise to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Candidates: Can we please confront the fact that DA, DT is a law, passed by Congress and signed by President Clinton?

A new Commander in Chief can not just waltz into the White House and sign a decree revoking DA, DT. In fact, he (or she) can not even technically introduce a law to repeal it. That honor is reserved for the elected officials of Congress.

Good intentions aside, Gov. Richardson relied on a commonly used tactic for assuaging the fears of the LGBT community. He wanted to reassure us he's on our side; but clearly, he either hasn't done has homework, or he's just regurgitating the empty promises of the past.

If you're running for President - please don't tell me that you are going to overturn "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Come clean and tell the whole truth. Tell me that you will do your damnedest to unwaveringly support a law repealing it and further more demand that it restore active duty eligibility to those men and women who were kicked out of the military because of it.

- Jeremy Johnson, Former Petty Officer First Class, USN

DADT Event in Chicago

Army Brig. Gen. Keith H. Kerr, Army Colonel Stewart Bornhoft, Navy Captain Joan E. Darrah ( all retired ) and five other former military officers will speak out against the military’s anti-gay “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ( DADT ) policy at a program benefiting the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network ( SLDN ) at Chicago’s Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, on Aug. 3, 7-9 p.m.

DADT makes the United States Military the only employer in the nation which must, by law, fire someone because that person is lesbian, gay or bisexual. More than 11,000 servicemembers have been discharged under the policy.

Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by visiting www.chicagoSLDN.org , or calling 773-720-7610.

-Jason Knight

The Shower Factor

Surf over to HuffingtonPost.com for SLDN client Stephen Benjamin's take on his debate, last night, with conservative radio talking head (and deputy district attorney!) George Brauchler.

Stephen called out Brauchler in a Sunday Denver Post op-ed, and was then invited to debate him on the air at KHOW radio. Stephen addresses the long-held 'shower argument' that our opponents often use to defend "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

"After basic training, the number of times I showered with other people were relatively few," he writes. "In the occasions where I wouldn't have time to go home to clean up, I think I was the uncomfortable one through the whole ordeal. I was out to many of my peers and none them expressed discomfort when placed in a situation like that. Nevertheless, I found myself careful with where my eyes wandered -- intently staring at the soap dispenser on the wall."

"It's absurd that we even have to discuss this issue," he concludes. "It's even more absurd that as the Army desperately searches for recruits, this Congress and president cling to a failed policy that harms our nation."

"Especially when plastic dividers are cheap."

- Steve Ralls

SLDN on 'Strictly Confidential' - Tonight!

SLDN director of law and policy Sharra Greer (pictured) will be the featured guest this evening on Strictly Confidential, Peter Godbold's LGBT issues show on the Head On Radio Network.

You can listen in live, beginning at 9:30pm, by clicking here. Listeners have a chance to join the conversation, and Sharra is looking forward to hearing from our supporters, answering questions and giving the latest news and updates on SLDN's work to topple "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

- Steve Ralls

Richardson Tackles 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

We're here at the SLDN offices, watching the CNN/YouTube debate, and waiting for a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" question. There hasn't been a question specifically addressing the ban yet, but New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson worked in his support for repeal while answering a question about marriage from a same-sex couple in Brooklyn.

"I would eliminate 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' in the military," Governor Richardson said. "If we have men & women who are willing to die for their country, I wouldn’t give them a lecture on their sexual orientation."

All of the Democratic candidates have previously endorsed repeal, so perhaps that's why we haven't seen a question directly related to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." But Governor Richardson's response is still much appreciated, too.

- Steve Ralls

Who's Light in the Loafers Now?

SLDN client Stephen Benjamin, a former Arabic translator in the United States military, has an op-ed in today's Denver Post about homophobic comments recently made by a local radio host. The guest host of the program, a deputy district attorney in Colorado, was speaking about gays in the military when he went into a tirade about gay military personnel, proclaiming that gay personnel in the military were like children in a candy shop, and even referring to the Navy as "the light-in-the-loafers service."

Bejamin calls out George Brauchler in his op-ed today, writing that "The comparison of a child in a candy shop to the world's most advanced fighting force is absurd. A Marine on the battlefield being cared for by a Navy medic certainly isn't checking to see if that medic might be 'light in the loafers.' The Army commander being debriefed by a Navy Arabic translator certainly isn't wondering what that sailor is going to do when he goes home for R&R. I doubt many people would tell the Navy Seals who rescued Jessica Lynch that they were 'light in the loafers.'"

In fact, there are many lesbians and gays making a difference in the armed forces, as Benjamin notes in his op-ed.

"Only a few months ago, I was tirelessly working in a small, dark office in Georgia, translating and disseminating critical intelligence to our troops," he says. "To get there, I spent a couple of years agonizing over a difficult language and trying to understand an enigmatic culture foreign to my American identity. Today, my life is much different as a civilian in Atlanta, exchanging the occasional e-mail with friends I once served with who are now deployed to Iraq - some for the second or third time."

Benjamin, however, was dismissed under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," despite his stellar military service record. Today, he's more determined than ever to see an end to the ban, and to set the record - ummm, straight - for those who would continue to kick out qualified gay troops.

"Brauchler needs to realize that not every sailor is gay, and not every gay man wears loafers," Benjamin writes. "Sometimes we wear combat boots and carry an M-16."

Now who's light in the loafers, Mr. Brauchler?

- Steve Ralls

UPDATE: Stephen has been invited to debate Brauchler this afternoon (Monday) on KHOW radio. Listen in live at 5:20pm EST.

New Reality TV Show

The Race for the White House: A New Reality Show

That's the title of the latest entry from Libby Post on PageOneQ, a silly satiracal piece that makes light of the struggle for gay rights while conveying an important message.

The Show: Hosted by Gore, Coulter, and Huffington, the Presidential candidates would be put to the ultimate test. The Republicans would be thrown into a simulated foxhole with three other soldiers, two of whom would be SLDN clients-either booted for being gay or retired and came out. They would live through 48 hours of combat simulation and have to figure out which soldier was the straight one.

The Dems would have to pair up as same-sex couples, Hillary with either Coulter or Huffington, and would be sent to New Jersey to face the trials of civil unions and how much they don't mean to the state and employers.

"Win or lose, everyone gets a dose of Lesbian and Gay reality."

-Jason Knight

In Her Own Words

Orlando, Florida July 11th

The local HRC community hosted our tour group to dinner on the night of the 10th. It was extremely hot and extremely humid. The weather aside, it was the warmest reception that I have ever felt. They were very supportive and wanted to know each of our individual experiences. For the first time in a long time, I felt as though someone really wanted to hear the truth.

I have spoken to many different people and different groups about the negative impact of the DADT policy, but recalling my experiences never hit me as hard as it has on this tour. My emotions got the best of me during my speech, and for the first time in my life, I was speechless. The tour has been therapudic for me personally, and I am so proud to be a part of a panel of such distinguished speakers.

Each of the 5 speakers at the Orlando event had a different personal story about the negative impact from the DADT policy. The common factor felt across the board is that the policy is only impeding our Nation's progress. The American people are embracing tolerance more and more each day, and this policy is only standing in the way.

As my partner, Vanessa, walked through the airport donning her "Lift the Ban" t-shirt from SLDN, she was stopped by a male veteran who told her that he agreed with the need to end DADT.

The American People want to be heard. The American People want to see an end to this useless law.

Thanks for all of your continued support. I hope to see everyone in Phoenix, Arizona on July 24th.

Sonya Contreras

Army Veteran Will Share Her Story

Sonya Contreras, a former SLDN client and part of SLDN's Speakers Bureau, will be joining HRC's Legacy of Service tour in Phoenix, Arizona. The five year veteran was discharged in 2003 under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' following an admission to her command sparked by the tense anti-gay climate within her command and harassment by fellow soldiers.

The Legacy of Service tour honors lesbian, gay, and bisexual men and women who have served their country. The speakers include Eric Alva-the first American wounded in the Iraq war, Jarrod Chlapowski, Alexander Nicholson, Antonio Agnone, and local veterans at each of thier tour locations.

Sonya will be participating in a discussion panel on July 24th at 5:30pm at the Phoenix Art Museum directly followed by a reception and will be sharing her own experience as well as speaking out against Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

-Jason Knight

See Us Tomorrow on CNN

Tune into CNN tomorrow night - in the 8pm EST hour - as SLDN helps to preview the July 23rd Democratic debate. With questions about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" pouring into the debate via YouTube, SLDN gives a glimpse of what 2008 might hold, and the changing attitudes among military personnel when it comes to lesbian and gay colleagues.

- Steve Ralls

Re-Branding the Military: We Will Help

The U.S. military is thinking about re-branding itself, and a new report suggests the armed forces should even consider product placements - like those bottles of Snapple in Seinfeld - as part of its new strategy.

From Reuters:

Like the maker of an out-of-favor car or sneaker, the U.S. military needs a new "branding" campaign to earn civilian support in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots, a report for the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

"We will help you" could be the pitch, said the 211-page survey by RAND Corp., a nonprofit research group that carries out many studies for the Defense Department.

U.S. forces should heed product "positioning" and branding lessons from such consumer-savvy powerhouses as Lexus, Ritz-Carlton hotels and Nike, said the report.

That made us wonder: Will Ellen be seen with an Army backpack, dancing across her talk show stage? Or perhaps Ugly Betty's ambiguously gay nephew will sign up for the Navy.

What do you think? What are some of the gayest product placements you can think of as the military works to re-position itself as a friendlier brand? Leave your thoughts here in the comments section.

- Steve Ralls

Blogging on Bilerico

I'm very proud to say that I was recently invited to become a regular contributor to Bilerico.com, a newly revamped site for LGBT news, opinion and ideas. I've posted my first entry on the site this evening, and I hope you'll surf over and check out the site.

For my inaugural post, I decided to write about why - to progressives, civilians and every other LGBT person - the military, and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," should matter. Bilerico has a decidedly progressive viewpoint (as do I), but too often, progressives don't think about the broad implications of lifting the ban.

So, I invite you to visit Bilerico and join the conversation about this and the many other eye-opening ideas expressed on the site. And if you have ideas for what my next post should be about, leave them here in the comments!

- Steve Ralls

Peter Pace's Family Values

General Peter Pace, the out-going Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is concerned about families . . . but, one presumes, only the heterosexual ones.

Explaining to reporters why he is now contemplating yet another "surge" of troops into Iraq, Pace said that extending tours for service personnel already in Iraq "has an impact on families."

Suddenly, the General has found family values.

That certainly wasn't the case earlier this year, when Pace referred to lesbians and gays as "immoral," and went out of his way to defend "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." He didn't stop then to consider the impact of the ban on same-sex families, nor did he ever apologize to the families of lesbian and gay troops, many of whom were beyond offended.

As SLDN recently pointed out in an article in the Duke Journal of Gender Law and Policy, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" makes a difficult situation almost impossible for gay troops.

The Duke Journal article notes that the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law “impacts -- emotionally, financially, and legally -- the lives of the partners and children of gay service members.” The plight of gay military families “has garnered little public attention because few families headed by a same-sex couple, in which one partner is currently serving in the armed forces, are willing to risk a career-ending move to tell their story, let alone face the loss of familial privacy by making such a public statement.”

But those sacrifices, and the added burden the military's ban places on lesbian and gay service personnel, never registered on Pace's radar.

If Peter Pace really wants to stand up for military families, he should stand up for all of them, and call on Congress to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Because, while there's no question that extending deployments "has an impact" on families, there's no question that discrimination and federally enforced silence does, too.

- Steve Ralls

Ron Paul Says He'd Change "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Texas Congressman and Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul, known for a more libertarian view on politics than most of the Republican field, says he would change "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" if elected to the White House.

In a Q&A with Google, Paul pointed to the recent dismissals of lesbian and gay Arabic linguists as evidence that the policy needs, at the least, a revision. Speaking about one of those discharges, Paul said that "He was kicked out, for no real good reason at all, and I would, I would want to change that, I don’t support that interpretation."

Paul's remarks are a welcome step in the right direction for the GOP, but still leave some big questions to be answered. Does the Congressman believe it's time to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell?" In re-iterating his views on "disruptive" behavior, is he suggesting that military rules & regulations be applied without regard to sexual orientation? And in that case, would he support open service? Or is the Congressman advocating a different change altogether?

No one knows for sure yet, but at least one 2008 GOP contender seems to be taking at least one small step in the right direction, and that's good news, indeed.

- Steve Ralls

Spirit of Stonewall

This past Sunday I had the privilege to speak about my experience with Don't Ask Don't Tell at San Diego's 'Spirit of Stonewall Community Celebration' named after the famed 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York's Greenwich Village, which is considered to be the commencement of the contemporary Lesbian and Gay liberation movement.

With music from Peech and Noah Sugarman, the event featured speakers that hit a broad range of topics affecting the LGBT community today. From CA law and gay marriage, to the elderly, the military, to a moving speech from 16 year old Missy Luber on the challenges of LGBT high school youth.

Several Stonewall awards were presented including the Stonewall Service award to Chief William M. Lansdowne and the San Diego Police Department for its proactive stand against hate crimes, and Champions of Pride Robert A. Lehman & Thomas D. Felkner who co-founded Stonewall Citizens' Patrol in an organized response to the escalating crimes that occurred in the past year against the LGBT community.

Set against the historic Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park coupled with the beautiful July weather, the event brought renewed commitment to the LGBT equal rights movement and an opportunity to stand together and celebrate a shared vision of freedom and equality.

Stay classy San Diego. :)
-Jason Knight

Join SLDN's Jason Knight in San Diego

If you're in San Diego, or will be visiting for the city's pride festivities, be sure to come out and hear SLDN communications associate Jason Knight at The Spirit of Stonewall Community Celebration on Sunday. The festivities kick off at 3:30pm at Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park.

- Steve Ralls

Gravel: I've Just Begun to Fight

Democratic presidential candidate Mike Gravel is making headlines again. As has been reported around the blogosphere, Gravel was not invited to the upcoming presidential debate being hosted by the Human Rights Campaign and the LOGO Network. The former Senator from Alaska, clearly unhappy about not being included in the candidates' forum, has released a statement this afternoon on HuffingtonPost.com. In it, he addresses his unwavering support for repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," his condemnation of General Peter Pace's remarks about gays, and calls on the other candidates to join him in making a unique pledge:

"I have also challenged my fellow candidates to join me in publicly pledging that whoever gets elected, he or she will issue an apology on behalf of the federal government to the 100,000 gays and lesbians who were discharged by the military for their sexual orientation," Gravel writes. "No other candidate has joined me in that pledge."

In fact, an apology would not be unprecendented. The British military recently did just that: an explicit apology to those who were discharged under their (now repealed) ban on open service.

As we reported in the early days of Gravel's campaign, he stopped by the SLDN offices to meet with our staff and learn more about how he could be helpful in pushing for repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." We're enormously grateful for his outspoken support and for lending his voice to the campaign for repeal.

In today's posting, Gravel notes that ". . . I'm going to rejoin the battle with even more determination to advance the gay rights discussion during the other debates. So stay tuned, because this old soldier has only just begun to fight."

All of us at SLDN are proud to have him fighting on our side.

- Steve Ralls

Who's Blogging

The Washington Blade has a great article about LGBT organizations (including SLDN) entering the blogosphere. Our community's leading organizations are realizing the importance of blogs in communicating with members and the public. SLDN is proud to have been one of the very first groups to launch a blog on our website.

As The Blade points out, we are also one of the few who allow users to join the conversation by leaving comments:

"The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network’s blog, Frontlines, focuses entirely on the repeal of the military’s 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' policy. Like the Immigration Equality blog, Frontlines allows user comments, which adds to a sense of community found within the activist blogs."

All of us at SLDN have always believed in an open forum, where our supporters and other visitors can be part of the conversation, whether in agreement or dissent. Just as we disagree with the military's 'Don't Tell' provision, we also believe it is important to be able to 'Tell' in the blog discussion, too.

Thank you to everyone who has visited, read and commented on our blog. Please continue visiting us for the latest updates on SLDN's work.

- Steve Ralls

SLDN Takes Time Out With Stephen Benjamin

SLDN staff members had the distinct privilege to spend time with Former Naval Petty Officer Second Class Stephen Benjamin, an Arabic linguist recently dismissed under the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law, and featured in a video in the documentary unveiled by Brave New Foundation and SLDN as part of a campaign to Lift The Ban.

Hurdling the military's discriminatory policy, Stephen has come out on the other side with a bright smile and high spirits.

We thank him for his selfless service to our country and wish him luck as he turns to the next chapter in his life; planning to go back to school and finish his degree.

-Jason Knight

Join Reichen & SLDN in New York

SLDN invites our supporters in Manhattan to join Reichen Lehmkuhl at SPLASH as he unveils the Fly Naked with Reichen Jewelry Collection from LoveandPride. The festivities kick off at 7pm sharp on July 19th. (10% of the Fly Naked collection's revenue is donated to SLDN.) Also on hand will be SLDN client, and former Marine Sergeant, Brian Fricke.

Cocktails are by Stoli & Bud Select; sounds are by DJ DeMarko and the bling is by Reichen. Guests can also enter to win a trip to Las Vegas, courtesy of Luxor and American Airlines; learn more about SLDN; and get a sneak peek at the Fly Naked collection. SPLASH is located at 50 West 17th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues.

For more information, or to shop the collection, click here.

- Steve Ralls

Radio Host Gives Skewed Report on Polling Data

Our friends at Colorado Media Matters are calling out KHOW radio host George Brauchler for his anti-gay comments during a recent interview with SLDN client, and former Navy linguist, Jason Knight.

From the Media Matters website:

During a July 6 discussion about gays in the military with guest Jason Knight (pictured), an openly gay former naval petty officer and current communications associate for the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Caplis & Silverman Show guest co-host George Brauchler followed guest co-host Darren McKee's question about "the worst thing in the world about being gay in the Navy" by asking, "It's like putting a kid in a candy shop, isn't it?" Brauchler later stated that he was "insinuat[ing]" that "the Navy are the light-in-the-loafers service."

Additionally, Brauchler distorted a 2006 Zogby International poll that, according to McKee, found that in a "survey of military personnel who had served in Iraq or Afghanistan, three-quarters said they're comfortable interacting with gays and lesbians." Brauchler acknowledged that "75 percent of them said, 'Hey, I feel comfortable working around gays,' " but went on to claim that the "same group when they were asked this question: Do you agree or disagree with allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military? -- 26 percent agreed. Twenty-six percent. So, that's the true numbers here."

While the Zogby poll did show that 26 percent of respondents either "agree[d]" or "strongly agree[d]" "with allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military," Brauchler did not mention that 32 percent of respondents said they were "neutral" on that question and 5 percent said they were "not sure." Thirty-seven percent of military personnel either "disagree[d]" or "strongly disagree[d]" with allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military.

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SLDN is joining Media Matters in asking supporters to weigh in with Brauchler and KHOW regarding the truth about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and changing attitudes within the armed forces. Click here for contact information for the station and Brauchler.

More than 65,000 lesbian and gay Americans are on duty today, and another 1 million gay veterans are living in the United States today. Increasingly, their service is being honored by their fellow citizens - and our men and women in uniform - who support repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in larger numbers than ever before. In fact, when read correctly, the Zogby poll is clear: 73% of service personnel are comfortable with lesbians and gays and 69% either don't agree with the policy or weren't bothered enough about it to say that they supported the current ban. In truth, there is little support left for excluding qualified Americans who want to serve.

As New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd recently wrote, "America has been Will-and-Graced since Bill Clinton had his kerfuffle on the issue in 1993. Tolerance has blossomed, especially among younger Americans."

Unfortunately, George Brauchler doesn't seem to have caught up with those on the frontlines . . . but, at the very least, he shouldn't misrepresent their views by by only giving selected data - and not the whole picture - when it comes to their support for lifting the ban.

- Steve Ralls

Army Misses the Mark . . . Again

ABC News is reporting that the Army has missed its recruiting goal for the 2nd month in a row . . . and that military officials are beginning to worry about how they'll attract new recruits.

From the ABC report:

Already stretched thin by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army is having a hard time finding new recruits. ABC News has learned the Army missed its recruiting goal in June for the second month in a row. It's the first time in more than two years that the Army has missed recruiting goals for two consecutive months.

The figures are especially worrisome because the summer is traditionally the peak recruiting season. Army officials are now worried that July and August will be difficult as well, raising the possibility that the Army will miss its annual goal of 80,000 new recruits for fiscal year 2007, which ends on September 30. The Army has missed an annual recruiting goal only twice in the last decade -- in 1999 and 2005.

The Army will officially release its June recruiting figures on Tuesday, but Pentagon officials tell ABC News the numbers are similar to May, when the Army recruited only 93 percent of its goal of signing up 5500 new recruits. The goal for June was 8,400. The last time the Army missed back-to-back monthly goals was April and May 2005.

The numbers will only get more difficult in the months ahead; to meet its annual recruiting goal, the Army will need to sign up more than 30,000 new recruits over the next three months.

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Of course, it's not new news that the military could attract a significant number of good recruits, were it not for "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." According to statistician Gary Gates, more than 40,000 new troops would sign up for duty if the ban wasn't in place -- far more than the 30,000 needed over the next three months. And keeping good recruiters on the job who happen to lesbian or gay -- like Sonya Contreras -- could go a long way in fixing the problem, too.

With the military stretched this thin, will we see more commands, and especially recruiters, demanding that Congress lift the ban?

- Steve Ralls

Vote & Debate

As we reported earlier, the July 23rd Democratic debate on CNN will feature questions submitted online via YouTube videos. We asked for veterans to submit questions about repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and you didn't disappoint!

To view questions about repeal, click here. And, to make sure the question makes it into the debate, please remember to vote for your favorite "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" query. Questions that receive the most votes move up on the list of those likely to be posed during the debate.

Keep submitting questions, and tune in on July 23 to see the candidates respond!

- Steve Ralls

KRLD Takes on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

Dallas, Texas radio station KRLD is considered a reliable conservative voice in Lone Star media, but host Ernie Brown spoke out this week in favor of repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

You can listen to Ernie's remarks online here.

And if you catch your local talk radio station discussing the ban, please let us know!

- Steve Ralls

Donnelly: Attack DoD & Rename DA, DT

Elaine Donnelly of the Center for Military Readiness has just posted some new 'facts' about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" on her website. This time, though, she isn't just attacking SLDN and other repeal advocates . . . she's actually blaming the Department of Defense for being too lenient on the issue of gay service personnel!

"Activist groups and the Department of Defense should stop misleading young people about their eligibility to serve in the military," Elaine writes.

Apparently, in Elaine's world, the DoD is encouraging gays to enlist!

But wait, there's more. Elaine also wants "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" renamed the "Military Personnel Eligibility Act." She writes that "Describing the law as 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' effectively slanders the statute," essentially advocating a return to 'Asking' and an even more restrictive ban on 'Telling.'

What does all of Elaine's new ranting, and her stepped up pressure on the Bush administration, mean? Simply put: She knows, despite her woefully out of touch world view, that the days of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" are numbered. The pieces are falling into place for repeal, and anti-gay groups are frantically trying to stop the momentum.

As we move closer and closer to repeal, people like Donnelly and others will begin to aggressively push their anti-gay agenda, even at the risk of denying the military they claim to love the opportunity to recruit qualified Americans for service.

This isn't the last of Elaine's stepped up vitrol that we're going to hear, but it is an early sign that we're closer than ever to lifting the ban.

- Steve Ralls

Swedes Speak Out

A Swedish gay rights organization is calling out the Finns on anti-gay animus in the armed forces, reporting that openly gay Swedish personnel may be uncomfortable serving with their allies in Finland.

From PinkNews.co.uk:

HOF, which promotes the rights of gays, bisexuals, and transsexuals in the Swedish military, says that the attitude of the Finns makes it difficult for LGBT soldiers to take part in joint operations.

Sweden still practices conscription and there has been debate in the country over the rights of gay people in the military. The country's Armed Forces are deployed in Bosnia, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Kosovo.HoF was launched in December 2001 to support serving members of the Swedish Armed Forces who are gay, bisexual or transgender - officers, civilians and conscripts.

Only conscripts who volunteer are sent on missions outside Sweden, and there is evidence that LGBT Swedes are reluctant to do so because they might face hostility. The President of HOF told Swedish radio he wants the Swedish Defence Minister Mikael Odenberg to raise the issue of "discriminatory and insulting behaviour" with the Finns, accusing them of being the most difficult soliders to work with.

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Sweden has a long history of supporting its LGBT service members. Swedish military representatives visited with SLDN in 2005, and expressed concerns about the anti-gay policies of the U.S. forces. Captain Krister Fahlstedt of HoF told reporter Stefen Styrsky that, “We have a strong tradition in Sweden to stand up for human rights and to fight for equality. That’s how we try to address the issue within the armed forces and it has been quite successful. The purpose of our armed forces is to defend democracy and human rights, and therefore it is essential to stand up for basic human rights within the organization as well."

As Swedish forces fight alongside American troops in Afghanistan, let's hope that some of their open-minded philosophy influences our own thoughts about gays in the military.

- Steve Ralls

Watch the Video (Part II)

The folks at Brave New Films are at it again, this time with a second installment in their series of short videos examining the issue of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Their first video, featuring dismissed Arabic linguist Stephen Benjamin, is a poignant reminder the harm "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has had on America's ability to engage our enemies and the threat it poses to our national security.

Their second short is a lighter look at some of the really stupid arguments made in favor of keeping "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." When television commentator, Mark Smith, throws open the door to his own fevered imagination it is enough to make you laugh -- until of course you remember what's really at stake.

In the end, it’s enough to make you cry.

Click here for more information on Brave New Films.

-Victor Maldonado