What DADT Repeal Means: In Their Own Words

There is a lot to say about Sept. 20, 2011, the historic day when the 17-year-old law called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was finally repealed. But rather than just write about the discriminatory policy that kept the estimated 70,000 gay, lesbian and bisexual personnel who are currently serving their country from being open in the military and that was responsible for over 14,000 discharges over the years, I thought it would be best to hear what the repeal means to the men and women serving... in their own words.

Veterans speak about the end of DADT (from the Obama campaign):

A soldier comes out to his father on the day of the repeal:

Rachel Maddow talks with Lt. Josh Seefried (founder of Outserve) and Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach:

Rachel Maddow shows celebrations on the end of DADT, soldiers coming out and President Obama's campaign video:

Major Mike Almy and Captain Sarah Pezzat on the end of DADT:

101 faces of courage:

OutServe, the association of actively serving LGBT military members, released the latest edition of OutServe Magazine, featuring 101 actively serving military members identified by name, rank and duty station.

We serve in every country, in every conflict, and in every career field. We serve because we are committed to our country. We serve to protect those we love. We serve because we are dedicated to this self-evident truth -- that all men are created equal. This is who we are.

I think that says it all.

 

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Comments

[maskeddata]

02:48 AM on 09/22/2011

I served in the military for 8 years and then as a DoD civilian for 28 years. During my 36 years of service (1972-2008) I found DADT to be discriminatory and detrimental to our national security. Too many talented, dedicated, and highly trained individuals, who only wanted to serve their country, were forced out or chose to leave because of DADT. In 2010, the highest ranking officer in the Armed Forces and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, along with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, felt the same way and asked that DADT be repealed. The people who quote a few bible verses against the repeal must also remember that the United States is founded on freedom and diversity. That applies to our armed forces who are made up of all kinds of dedicated Americans - Wiccans, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Druids, Agnostics, Atheists, etc.

[Don Albert]

12:27 AM on 09/22/2011

A milestone worthy of celebration! Enjoy our tribute to all those involved in advocating the repeal here http://youtu.be/0mCiAIKyo84