Frontlines, the SLDN Blog

Service Members Continue to Speak Out

The Visible Vote, a Presidential Forum/Blog on Logo, featured a guest commentary by Joan Garry, former executive director of GLAAD. In response to her blog, came this response from a soldier code-named 'Cody.' "I am a gay Soldier. I have served in Iraq and I am in a stable loving relationship with a wonderful man who I love with every ounce of my being; yet he cannot share my awards, promotions, ceremonies that celebrate who and what I am. I am not asking for anything in return, I don't think gay marriage should be legislated and i don't think that 'don't ask don't tell' is necessary... by fostering a culture of exclusion we discriminate - by pointing out the obvious differences and legislating that things be the same we create discrimination and foster the ignorance of hate. I am not asking to be singled out or to be different. There is a significant difference between those that scream for equality and mandate equal treatment and those who simply wish to be recognized as equal. I am not sure I know the solution - but i can honestly say that if a marriage license simply said 'spouse A and Spouse B' versus husband and wife it would be so simple wouldn't it? if it was 'don't care' versus 'don't ask, don't tell' wouldn't that solve the issue? Inclusion by legislation is not the basis of our constitution - it is not the foundation of this great nation. Although we have found ways to legislate free thinking; it only causes problems... me .. I personally think the best democratic platform is Joe Biden's - at least he doesn't seek to force a hand... to legislate how people think..." As service members continue to speak out, and with so many of the presidential candidates calling for repeal, it seems only a matter of time when the U.S. will follow Britain and rid discrimination based on sexual orientation. - Jason Knight

Labels: other blogs

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08-09-07 Comment (0)

Ahead of L.A., Growing Support for Repeal

As the Democratic candidates for president prepare to meet in L.A. this evening to discuss LGBT issues, The Los Angeles Times is reporting on the change of heart happening in Congress and the Pentagon when it comes to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." "Subtly but unmistakably, rhetoric from the military and Congress has begun to soften on the controversial policy known as 'don't ask, don't tell,'" the Times reports. "[Retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Colin] Powell himself has changed his tune, acknowledging that attitudes have shifted. A House bill that would lift the ban on gays serving openly has gained support from military veterans in that chamber. And the pressures of the Iraq war and the 2008 presidential campaign have focused more attention on the merits of a repeal." Candidates for tonight's forum have already submitted written responses about the military's ban, and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (pictured) wrote that, "Courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice -- the traits that define our men and women in uniform -- have nothing to do with sexual orientation. This is a matter of national security, and I will fix it." This morning's Times reports that Senator Barack Obama and former Senator John Edwards submitted similar statements about the issue. But shifts aren't just happening on the Democratic side. The Portland Phoenix reports this morning on Republican Senator Susan Collins, who also seems to be taking a more critical look at the policy. "A source close to Collins tells the Phoenix she is likely to become the lead Republican senator backing the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would reverse DA, DT and create a non-discrimination policy for the military," the paper reports. "The bill is picking up sponsors in the House, and activists have long hoped Collins would join them to take the debate to the Senate." Collins may be "starting to sing with the choir now," the Phoenix says, "crediting a gay retired admiral from Maine who recently sat down with her to tell her his thoughts on 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell . . . '" The evolving views in Congress and the DoD are welcome news. With leaders like Senator Clinton, Senator Collins and others stepping up to the plate, our home run can only be so far off. - Steve Ralls

Labels: 2008, collins, Congress, Hillary Clinton, in the news

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08-09-07 Comment (0)

Asking & Telling: Tomorrow at 9

Join us here at Frontlines, beginning at 9pm EST tomorrow, for live-blogging coverage of The Visible Vote '08, the LOGO presidential forum. We'll be here, providing real-time coverage of what each candidate says about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and inviting you to add your voice to the discussion, too. If you don't have LOGO on your local cable carrier, you can subscribe to an online video feed here. (Mac users should click here, instead.) So plan to join us tomorrow, beginning at 9, for the very first live-blogging event at Frontlines. - Steve Ralls

Labels: 2008, live-blogging

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08-08-07 Comment (0)

Ackerman: “This absurdity can’t continue.”

Congressman Gary Ackerman (D-NY), a co-sponsor of The Military Readiness Enhancement Act who represents New York's North Shore in Queens and Nassau County in Congress, authored an op-ed in this morning's Newsday about the absurdity of excluding gay and lesbian Americans from military service. (Some of our supporters will remember Ackerman's recent grilling of Secretary Rice over the issue of gay linguists.) "That sound you hear in Washington is the federal government shooting itself in the foot," Ackerman writes, and goes on to say that "Just to make this clear: In the middle of a war in which we are losing people every day, we are removing from the armed forces volunteers who have absolutely vital, lifesaving skills because they happen to be gay or lesbian." "This absurdity can't continue," Ackerman says. "The 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy is not only wasteful and inefficient, it's unfair and un-American. In the middle of a war we are throwing out good people who have volunteered to put their lives on the line for their country. Every day, another two service members are fired because of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' and unlike the crooks we're now reduced to recruiting, gays aren't granted second chances." "If we're serious about winning the war on terror, we need to roll out the welcome mat for every patriot, gay or straight, who wants to serve," he concludes. "When Congress reconvenes in September, we need to do the right thing and lift this ban." You can read Congressman Ackerman's full op-ed online here. - Steve Ralls

Labels: Ackerman, Congress, in the news

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08-08-07 Comment (0)

FOX 5 Investigates

Tonight's 10 o'clock news on Washington DC's FOX 5 will include an investigation into the case of SLDN client Chris Mastromarino, who is facing dismissal from the U.S. Army following trumped allegations brought by his command at the prestigious Old Guard. FOX 5 reporter Beth Parker (pictured) will look at Chris's military career, the charges against him and SLDN's defense of the highly-decorated military police officer. If you're a Washington-area supporter, tune in tonight at 10 for Beth's complete report. - Steve Ralls UPDATE: You can now watch Beth's complete story online by clicking here.

Labels: in the news

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08-07-07 Comment (0)

Threat to National Security?

"We do not deny there is some gang activity and gang association within the military, but we do not see it as a rampant issue," says the Army Criminal Investigation Command. However, the issue prompted the FBI to publish a report in January and stated that gang activity within the US military "...is increasing and poses a threat to law enforcement officials and national security." Now wait, we've heard this language before. But where? Ah yes, one of the main reasons to NOT repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'-because lesbian and gay servicemembers are a "threat to national security." Where are the cases of groups of LGB members involved in gang-related activity, and a rising number of cases of murder, vandalism, drug-distribution, and assault? Where is the military's priority on creating a safe and conducive environment of professionalism? Rather than dealing with this threat, the military instead is focused on discharging stellar servicemembers not because they have done something unlawful, but because of who they happen to be. Thelma Gutierrez of CNN reports in this telling video posted on PaleoBlog about the rising problem of gang members in the US military that highlights two former military members and their own association with gangs. This video aired on CNN's Paula Zahn Now in May. To date, more than 11,000 servicemembers have been discharged under DADT for being gay. An estimated 65,000 are serving right now. -Jason Knight -----

08-06-07 Comment (0)

Monday Morning Repeal News

Monday morning brings great news on two fronts for advocates of repeal. Detroit News columnist Deb Price writes in her column today that, "The Pentagon is no longer frozen solid in angry opposition to lifting the ban on gays serving openly in the military." Citing questions raised last week during both House and Senate hearings, Price says that "Gone were the hysterical, Chicken Little-ish 'the sky will fall' warnings that ending 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' would destroy military morale and unit cohesion." Price urges Congress "to listen closely and hear the message: It's your job, not the military's, to make policy." This morning also brings news that more and more Members of Congress are heeding Price's advice. Five new lawmakers, including the highest-ranking veteran in Congress, have signed on as co-sponsors of The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1246). Representatives Michael A. Arcuri (D-NY), Brian Baird (D-WA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Joe Sestak (D-PA) and Brad Sherman (D-CA) all became co-sponsors of the bill on Friday, bringing the total number of supporters to 131. Sestak (pictured) is Congress’s highest-ranking veteran, having served 31 years in the United States Navy and retiring as a 3-star Admiral. And so momentum continues to build for toppling "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." "Listen closely and you can hear a glacier cracking," Price wrote this morning. Indeed, all indications points to the same conclusion: There is a sea-change coming in the fight to lift the ban. - Steve Ralls

Labels: Congress, in the news

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08-06-07 Comment (0)

West Point’s Out Triathlon Coach Writes Book

After being denied formal support from the Army, a gay U.S. Military Academy swim coach, Louis Tharp, is publishing a book this fall containing a compilation of his emails, thoughts and travels with the team detailing Army Tri's journey to becoming national collegiate contenders and age group medalists. The book, Overachiever's Diary, is published by Total Immersion, with an introduction by its founder, Terry Laughlin who is Tharp's coach and mentor and a former coach for the Army swim team. The book also has essays by Dr. Laurie Ferguson, PdD on the psychology of training and competing. A portion of the proceeds will go to the tri-team, and when the services allow GLBT soldiers to serve openly, Tharp says he will increase the percentage. In addition, Tharp and Dr. Ferguson will be on the speaker's circuit at corporate and civic events talking about training and motivation as well as his experiences at the Division 1 school. Tharp, a very out gay man involved in community affairs and politics in his home state of New York and at his alma mater, Butler University in Indianapolis, has been in a very public relationship for the past 24 years. "West Point knew I was gay when I took the job and it was never an issue with either the officer corps or the cadets," he says. "Jim, my partner, and I attend team parties. I've always experienced acceptance. Being a gay coach involved some education with a few people who hadn't been around homosexuals, where discussion of conduct vs. orientation took place, but I never felt uncomfortable," he says. "Cadet acceptance of my sexual orientation was 'so what.' Most have had GLBT friends in high school." The book, approximately 200 pages with about 100 photos -- taken by cadets and their families and donated for the book -- is scheduled to be published this fall. It is written for triathletes, as well as those who enjoy reading about sports and understanding coach/team relationships. "We've got Overachiever's Diary on the swim caps at the August 19 West Point Triathlon where we'll be promoting the book and giving people the chance to sign up for pre-publication information. The team and officer corps has been very supportive," Tharp says. Tharp began swimming in 1996, at age 45, when he decided to lose more than 75 pounds and become the athlete he was never comfortable being in high school or college. "When I was in school, homosexuality was a mental defect and a felony. Sports was all about homophobia" he says. "We know now that we can't cede sports to straight jocks. The GLBT community deserves the same benefits of sport that heterosexuals enjoy -- the emotional, physical and intellectual challenge necessary to learn how to exceed perceived limits and stay balanced." Since learning to swim, a skill he attributes to Total Immersion, Tharp has medaled in World Masters events, local, regional and international meets, and most recently won two gold and two silver medals at the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago. He has trained at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs which was not the most gay-friendly place on the planet, he says, as well as at Stanford, which he describes as much more gay-friendly. Last spring he and the two other West Point tri coaches entered the Devilman, a southern New Jersey half-ironman, as a relay team and took first place. "It's important that the cadets know the coaching staff practices what it teaches," Tharp said of the half ironman win. Overachiever's Diary soon will be available online at overachieversdiary.com, totalimmersion.net, or amazon.com. A profile of Tharp, a synopsis, and a sample chapter is available at online here.

Labels: west point

08-05-07 Comment (6)

The Women, the Admiral, and the Undersecretary

This week women on Capitol Hill brought repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) back into Congressional hearings with great results. Senator Susan Collins asked the new nominee for Joint Chief of Staff, Admiral Mullen, if he thinks it’s time for Congress to reconsider DADT, given the current strain on the military and the loss of critical talent due to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” In her question she laid out some pretty good arguments for repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Admiral Mullen correctly answered that this is an issue Congress will decide. On the House side, Susan Davis (pictured), Chair of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, asked similar questions of three Generals and the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Michael Dominguez. At a hearing probing why the Army has not met its recruitment goals for the last two months, Davis asked if Congress shouldn’t reexamine the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law given the fact that an estimated 41,000 men would likely apply to enter the military if the ban on gays and lesbians were repealed. Davis is a cosponsor of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, the House bill to repeal DA, DT. When Dominguez answered that people who believe themselves to be homosexuals can serve since the law is about conduct, and that actual “discharge ahead of schedule” numbers for gays have been relatively small for the last five years (around 700 annually), Davis came back with some excellent points in her calm, respectful style: • that there is “probably some question about how [conduct] is interpreted” • that if the discharges were in “high-skill areas” it could be an issue (Arabic linguists, anyone?) • that “there are people who may not even think about serving, who would like to serve because they somehow don't feel welcome in the services” She closed by saying that we should look to other services [ie. England, Australia, Canada, Israel, almost all NATO countries, etc. who allow openly gay service in their militaries] for their experiences, and that “we need to be as open as possible.” Talk about understatement! Earlier at same the hearing, Army Major General Thomas Bostick , gave examples of felons who had received waivers to enter the Army because they deserved a second chance. One was an example of a 17-year-old who committed statutory rape with a 15-year-old. Now, I’m not against second chances, but how about some first chances here? In the military, gays and bisexuals get fired if they hold hands or kiss someone of the same gender. But former statutory rapists get a “second chance?” Davis had it right – there are some serious questions about how homosexual “conduct” is interpreted. The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law says you can’t tell anyone you’re gay, and you can’t commit any gay “acts” – even off base and on your own time. Basically, you just can’t be gay. It’s about who you are, not conduct. To say the military is “welcoming” of gays is absurd. Kudos to both Collins and Davis, as well as Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher, who’s the lead on the House bill to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” All three serve on the Armed Services Committees of their chambers. These women on the hill are raising the issue, starting the conversation, and getting some pretty important questions about DADT into the Congressional record. More power to them. We need to start this Congressional conversation ASAP so that when a vote on gays in the military comes up, it doesn’t blow up like it did in 1993. - Julie Kruse

Labels: collins, Congress, recruiting

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08-04-07 Comment (0)