"Don't ask, don't tell" -- the policy and even the mere phrase -- says much about who we are as Americans. What we do in its wake will help shape what it means to be an American in the twenty-first century -- well beyond the rise and fall of this bizarre and convoluted law.

Amid the current fiscal challenges, the ability of LGBT movement organizations to seize emerging opportunities and defend hard-won progress is critical.

Sure, full legal equality may take two decades and the battle against bigotry will last forever but there is no denying that the LGBT movement is on the move like never before.

Conservatives understand that a headline the day after the Maine initiative about them succeeding at rolling back the gay marriage bill helps them build momentum, and helps deflate and discourage progressives.

Since we're progressives, we know how to multi-task. So let's keep our eye on the ball for health care, and remember to take a second to pitch in for the LGBT movement.