When President Clinton first signed DADT into law, I have no doubt that he thought he was doing something good for the LGBT community. Given the climate in Congress and the Military leadership in 1993, he got the best deal that he could. Sadly, the witch hunts did not end, and DADT turned out to be little better that what preceded it. I have openly supported the end of DADT, since I first started blogging in 2003, and although I have no personal stake in the matter, I am proud to support the end of an era of legalized bigotry, prejudice and hate and to rejoice with those who do.
Service members compelled to publicly reveal that they are gay or lesbian took advantage of the end of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in several ways Tuesday, as military officials reported no noticeable increase in activity at military recruitment stations.
In one of the most dramatic declarations, a U.S. service member, purportedly serving in Germany, posted a video of himself on YouTube calling his father in Alabama to tell him for the first time that he is gay.
“Can I tell you something? Will you love me, serious?” asks the service member, who uses the moniker “areyousurprised” on Twitter and Facebook.
“Dad, I’m gay,” the service member says, his voice dropping. “I always have been, I’ve known since forever, and uh, I know I haven’t seen you in like a year, and I don’t know when’s the next time I’m going to be able to see you, I didn’t to tell you over the phone, I wanted to tell you in person.”
The father assures the man that he still loves his son, who then smiled and said he still needed to tell his mother. The service member is heard saying in the video that he waited for more than four hours before deciding to call his father with the news… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <Washington Post>
Few people have done more to fight for the end of DADT than Rachel Maddow, and she covers this young man’s story and much more.
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It is truly a day to celebrate. I’m sorry that bigotry, prejudice and hatred will continue openly, as long as the Republican Party, who openly embrace it, has any power at all. They need to be sent the way of the Whigs. On to DOMA!
There is a graphic that I have frequently used to point out the utter hypocrisy of discriminating against lesbians and gays in the military. I hope this will be my last occasion to use it.
12 Responses to “DADT: celebrating the end of an era”
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I am not an American but I follow American politics because of the impact it has on the rest of the world. My father was a soldier and I was born into the army so I feel I have some right to comment. In Britain, the men and women of our armed forces are free to express themselves as they wish. It hasn’t made the slightest difference to their effectiveness. DADT was just thinly veiled bigotry. DADT, RIP.
Jack, I could not ahree with you more. I had heard that about the Brits.
Thanks so much for posting this piece Tom. Not all fathers are so loving – my father kicked me out of the house when he learned I was bi – I personally would never serve in Nam, and no war subsequent to it! However, for those who do believe their country right or wrong – this part of upholding the Constitution is definitely right and long overdue!
You’re welcome, Lee. Were I not straight, my father would have acted the same way. I’m sorry yours hurt you.
It is about time DADT was eliminated— Men and women who lay their lives on the line deserve no less : ; Frankly– who loves who– whoever marries whoever is none of anybodies business unless “they do it in the streets and scare the horses’
My Grandma- (b 1870) used to say that— always thought it was original to her– but it was first said by a maid testifying in a trial for Oscar Wilde–
I’m afraid it’s the elephants, who are afraid.
The “Navy Times” reports that to celebrate the demise of DADT, at the stroke of midnight Navy Lt. Gary Ross and his partner of 11 years, Dan Swezy, were married in a log cabin in Vermont with family and friends as guests. Lt. Ross wore his Navy dress uniform. How cool is that?
How cool, Nameless? Way cool!
I was able to see a few celebrations on tv last night and the people were estatic. Bless them!
Amen, Patty!
This is long overdue. One day I hope we can all celebrate that bigotry of any kind is dead and buried. Male or female, LGBT or straight, rich or poor, thin or fat, tall or short, white or black, yellow or brown, blonde hair or brown— none of that should matter. We all need to be loved and to love; we all put our pants on one leg at a time; we all bleed when we are injured and cry when we hurt. Let us be the change that we want to see in the world. Let us respect eachother and all creation. Bigotry and discrimination cannot live in a world of respect.
Congratulations to those who can now live authentic lives without fear of retribution.
Well said!