DA, DT: Quick & Dirty

If only it was that simple!

But alas . . . it is not. For service members who declare they are homosexual – regardless of rank, branch of service or MOS – once their commanding officers initiate separation proceedings against them, their discharge is, in most cases, imminent. While David E. Kelley valiantly attempts to shed some light on the preposterousness that is “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” he falls a bit short in the reality department. His factual legal arguments leave a bit to be desired; however, he does accomplish what I believe was his intended goal: He highlights the absurdity of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and educates the masses on the “quick and dirty” facts and figures surrounding the impact the law on our current national security and military readiness. Almost 12,000 discharges and more than $360 million dollars later, the military is discharging highly trained, decorated and courageous men and women – and yes, in this case even a General can be “struck down with gayness” – simply because he is “a member of the homosexual party.”

Despite the fact that there were zero references to Cook v. Gates, SLDN’s currently-pending constitutional challenge to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” before the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals (coincidentally located in downtown Boston!), David E. Kelly managed to (in less than 60 minutes) work in a reference to the infamous “shower” issue we hear so much about, a hilarious (albeit incredibly overly-simplified) analysis of Lawrence v. Texas and the virtual end to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” as we know it.

Candice Bergen managed to single-handedly bring about the collapse of the ban on gays in the military with just a couple of witnesses an only one day of trial.

Although, even she would have to concede that she may have had some assistance from possibly the single worst JAG attorney ever! I mean, really . . . was that guy for real? Did he really argue that the judge should rule in favor of the government because the military had a macho image to protect and was therefore justified in banning gays from serving openly? Does Boston Legal air in Great Britain or Israel? How about Canada or Australia?

Notwithstanding the incredible oversimplification of the legal arguments both in favor of and against “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the incredible powerhouse cast of Boston Legal (Ms. Bergen can advocate on my behalf anytime!) successfully entertained as well as educated us while poking fun at an outdated and ineffective policy which serves no purpose other than to blatantly discriminate, encourage harassment and weaken our national security. We forgive you, Mr. Kelly, for not acknowledging SLDN’s work on this issue. Perhaps you and a few of your friends would like to join us for dinner in DC on March 8th?

- Emily Hecht

UPDATE: Read about the conservative controversy over last night's episode at Bilerico.com.

Boston Legal Tackles "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" - Tonight!

The Emmy Award-winning drama Boston Legal tackles discrimination, homophobia and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” tonight on ABC.

Tonight’s episode, titled Do Tell, involves the case of law partner Denny Crane’s Army buddy, General “Fitz” Fitzgerald. Fitz shows up at the law firm of Crane Poole & Schmidt to tell Denny that he is gay . . . and he’s being discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” While Denny grapples with the surprising news about his friend’s sexual orientation, Shirley Schmidt (played by Emmy winner Candice Bergen) takes up Fitz’s case, suing the Army and challenging “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in court.

For more information, visit ABC’s official Boston Legal website, or read more about tonight’s episode at Frontlines or The Bilerico Project. And check back on SLDN’s blog tomorrow morning for a full analysis of Do Tell.

Boston Legal airs tonight at 10pm EST on ABC.

- Steve Ralls

Crane, Poole & Schimdt Take on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

I love Boston Legal. ABC's Tuesday night drama series is one of the smartest, freshest shows on television. The writing, which takes a liberal look at hot-topic issues in the news, is some of the best in series TV. And who can pass up an opportunity to see Candace Bergen (I was also a Murphy Brown maniac during that show's run) spar with William Shatner?

So I was thrilled (to say the least) to hear this morning that Shatner's character - the conservative, pro-war, pro-gun, anti-Nancy Grace GOP'er Denny Crane - will be tackling "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" during the upcoming season. The military's gay ban is coming to the law offices of Crane, Poole & Schmidt.

According to After Elton, "David E. Kelly's award-winning lawyer dramedy Boston Legal will feature a gay storyline in episode four of this season. In the episode, a military general friend of Denny Crane (William Shatner) comes out of the closet and, of course, is not welcomed by his superiors with a ticker-tape parade, leading him to come for legal counsel in the face of being discharged. Denny is apparently troubled by his old friend's admission and turns to his colleagues for advice."

Will the gay general inspire a change of heart in Denny? Will they bond over God, guns & gays? And will Denny (or maybe Bergen??) be moved to bring a legal challenge over "Don't Ask, Don't Tell?"

Stay tuned . . . the episode airs Tuesday, October 16th on ABC.

- Steve Ralls

'Tell' Comes to Alexandria, Va.

The Alexandria Commission for the Arts has put together the “First Annual Alexandria International Film Festival” for this coming weekend. The festival's inaugural event will feature Tell, a film about the military’s "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" ban (details below).

The film screenings are free, and all films will be shown at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Madison Building, 600 Dulany Street (close to the King St. Metro). The complete line-up of films can be viewed here. Tell is the only GLBT-related film selected for the festival.

Here are the complete details:

Saturday, September 29

2 pm: TELL – The “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy started well over a decade ago and banned gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military. Director Tom Murray adds a human face to the debate as he set out across the country to talk with gay and lesbian veterans and their allies, about the struggles faced by dedicated and patriotic Americans who want to serve their country, but can only do so while not being honest about who they fully are. Directed by Tom Murray; 1:23; 2007

3:30 pm: Presentation by CAPT Joan Darrah USN (Ret.) and Paul Tschudi U.S. Army Veteran Spec. 5 and Asst. Professor at George Washington University who appear in the film Tell and will share their experiences, both with “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and in making the film.

- Steve Ralls

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

Semper Fi Premieres Monday

On Monday, Showtime premieres Semper Fi: One Marine's Journey, based on the experiences of SLDN client Jeff Key.

The film, which repeats throughout the week on Showtime, has received rave reviews for its wrenching portrayal of life under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and its unflinching look at the war in Iraq.

Bay Area Reporter recently wrote that "Framed around Key's direct address to the camera, excerpts from his one-man play, and recollections of family and friends from Alabama and LA, Semper Fi draws on the pivotal two months Key spent on active duty in Iraq, his journals, photos and video of smiling Iraqi kids, and finally the sight of a med-evac chopper airlifting him back home to treat a non-combat-related injury."

You can read this morning's Washington Blade interview with Key here. And be sure to tune into Showtime, beginning Monday, to see Semper Fi yourself.

- 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

'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

SLDN to Co-Present 'Semper Fi' at SF Film Festival

SLDN is proud to partner with Frameline to co-present Semper Fi: One Marine's Journey at the Frameline Festival in San Francisco, June 14-24, 2007.

Semper Fi is the story of Jeff Key (pictured), a gay marine from Parrish, Alabama, and his crisis of conscience while serving in Iraq. Key is a former SLDN client, and the film is based on his critically acclaimed one-man play, The Eyes of Babylon. 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. 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. Semper Fi paints a refreshing portrait of a gay man we rarely meet and proves that patriotism, like sexuality, comes in many different packages."

For more information about the Frameline Festival, click here. And check here at Frontlines for more information, including dates and times, soon.

- Steve Ralls

Gay Men's Chorus Takes On DA, DT

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus will be presenting a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" inspired performance on Monday, April 30.

From the Bay Area Reporter:

The show also features the one-act "USS Metaphor," a parody of Gilbert & Sullivan's HMS Pinafore. . . .

Artistic director Kathleen McGuire, and members of the SFGMC production committee, wrote "USS Metaphor," which takes jabs at the U.S. military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. . . .

The chorus will be dressed in Navy whites and will perform dance routines that "surpass anything the chorus has done before. We're extremely proud of this program, from the angles of both technical excellence and social comment," [Teddy] Witherington added.

The show seems timely, given recent comments by Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace stating that gays are "immoral."

The show takes place Monday, April 30 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $17-$80, and the chorus has increased the number of lower priced tickets for the show. SFGMC is also offering a 25 percent discount to current and former service men and women. For more information or for tickets, visit http://www.sfgmc.org or call (415) 865-2787.

- Steve Ralls