Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Who’s Joining the Fight?

Later today, SLDN will announce that a major public figure has joined the coalition of leaders calling for Congress to revisit "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Here are some hints: They have won a major international prize; they are a veteran; and they have published 21 books on a wide variety of issues. Guess who it will be, in the comments section below. - Steve Ralls UPDATE: Our commenter was right! Click here for more information on Jimmy Carter's statement about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

05-15-07 Comment (1)

Video: Jason Knight Talks to GMA

If you missed Good Morning America's exclusive interview with Jason Knight on Sunday, you can still catch it online here. "I was really surprised. It was something that took my breath away," Jason told Good Morning America Weekend Edition anchor Bill Weir. "I didn't expect it. All of a sudden I had orders to go back to Kuwait. It took a few days to let it process and then I just anted up." "I feel that every American that no matter what background they're from has the opportunity and the right to serve their country," he said. "The people that I worked with it all knew. It was a non-issue so that's probably why it didn't go up the chain of command. I never had any negative feedback from anybody. ... It's just another part of who I am. It didn't affect anything." For the full interview, click here. - Steve Ralls

Labels: in the news, jason knight

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05-14-07 Comment (0)

Jason Knight on GMA Sunday

Hear Jason Knight tell his story about being openly gay, recalled to active duty and booted under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" this Sunday on Good Morning America Weekend. Check your local listings for times and stations. - Steve Ralls

Labels: in the news, jason knight

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05-11-07 Comment (0)

What The Navy Did Today

When I arrived at the office around 8am this morning, I had a voicemail, left late yesterday evening, from Jason Knight: "I just got a call from a JAG Officer in San Diego here, and I'm supposed to report tomorrow morning . . . they're going to discharge me under the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy . . ." Despite Jason's love for the Navy (which comes though loud and clear in every conversation I have with him) . . . despite the fact that he showed up for duty, no questions asked, when many people are trying to avoid another Middle East deployment . . . and despite the stellar feedback his superiors and colleagues had for him in last weekend's Stars & Stripes interview, the Navy decided it was important to make sure Jason was dismissed for being gay, and prevented from ever reporting for duty again. And they did it all just 17 days before the scheduled end to his current, one-year commitment. We also learned today that Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon says more troops are needed to stop the bloodshed in Iraq; that there is woefully inadequate healthcare in our veterans' health care system; and that there are new concerns about the "surge" of troops in Iraq. But, despite all those pressing matters to deal with, the Pentagon found time today to fire Jason Knight because he happens to be gay. As Sharra Greer, our director of law and policy, said today: "Our nation should be embarrassed that our armed forces are forced to respond to Knight’s selfless service with a government-sanctioned pink slip." What does Jason think about the whole experience? Find out when he speaks live to Good Morning America this Sunday. And leave your own messages and comments for him here in our comments section. We'll make sure to pass them along. - Steve Ralls

Labels: in the news, jason knight

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05-11-07 Comment (0)

Fighting DA, DT in California

Congratulations to California State Senator Christine Kehoe (pictured) and our friends at Equality California! On Tuesday, state lawmakers approved a resolution calling on the federal government to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". The Senate Judiciary Committee passed SJR6, authored by Senator Kehoe, D-San Diego, and sponsored by Equality California, urging Congress and President Bush to adopt the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2007 (H.R. 1246). The federal bill would prohibit discrimination in the military based on sexual orientation. SJR6, which passed the committee by a 3-2 vote, is co-authored by a total of 10 California lawmakers. "Qualified, patriotic service members who want to serve their country are being dismissed from the military for no other reason than their sexual orientation," said Sen. Kehoe. "As a result, these service members must live with the stigma of being forced out of the military and taxpayers are left to pay millions of dollars to replace some of our most competent and well-trained troops." California joins a growing list of local and state resolutions opposing the military's ban. For infomration on how to sponsor a resolution in your city, click here. - Steve Ralls

Labels: california, resolutions

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05-10-07 Comment (0)

Do Tell: Jason Knight Responds

Update: Pam has just posted some of Jason's responses to questions from Blenders on Pam's House Blend. Here are Jason's responses from a selection of questions left here at Frontlines. Also check in later today at Pam's House Blend, for responses to questions from blogger extraordinare Pam Spaulding! ______ 1. Dear Jason, Congratulations! You are a true inspiration and bring renewed hope to the thousands of brave and patriotic lgbt service members in America's military, and the million or so of us who are retirees and vets! And, your life changing story could not have come at a better time in our long struggle for justice and equality. I'm reminded of Mordecai's probing question to Esther, when he asked, "...And who knows but that you have come to (this) position for such a time as this?" Jason, I have one question for you -- a question I often ask our lgbt service members. What about the chaplain? Is your chaplain supportive, trusting, available and understanding? Having spent 31 years in uniform as an Army Chaplain, I am intensely concerned that our chaplains serve all of their service members with the dignity and honor they so rightly deserve. Sadly, I have heard of far too many instances where that has not been the case. I sincerely hope your experience has been positive. Know that you will remain in my thoughts and prayers as you continue your heroic and historic journey. Sincerely, Paul W. Dodd Chaplain (Colonel), U.S. Army (Ret.) Colonel Dodd: Wow, what a great question. I myself have not spoken to a chaplain, however I know they are supportive to the troops. However, I know the issue of religion and homosexuality comes up and I know of a few cases where servicemembers confided in the chaplain, but were reported to their command. It's a shame, especially someone who is struggling with thier own sexuality and in need of counsel. That is just another reason why the ban should be lifted. Thanks, and thank you for your service. 2. Jason, Did you consider refusing to rejoin the miulitary since they kicked you out until they did away with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell?" It is one thing for Conservative bigots to kick gays out but if we refused to serve they would have a nervous breakdown. John Selig Dallas, TX I did consider it. But I love the Navy and the military, its just unfortunately under bad policy. I want to defend my nation, as every American has the right to. So I went willingly and out of the closet. Thanks John. 3. Jason, What would you say to a young, out gay man considering joining the military? Would you consider meeting with DOD Secretary Gates and discussing why DADT is even worse then Apartied and Segregation since it not only separates, but makes people live a lie and being in the Navy is all about honor and courage. He seem very intellectual and perhaps he will listen. Maybe he is sensitive to others? I just believe that the tide is turning and this man is our only hope to get through to everyone else. Sincerely, Lisa USA Veteran In San Diego Lisa, Unfortunately, there is no way that the DOD will allow an openly gay person in, like myself-some cases slip by. But I plan to do everything I can possibly do to help get rid of the ban. It's only a matter of time. :) Thanks Lisa. 4. Jason, First off, THANK YOU for your service. And thank you for the courage to make your story public and help shed a light on the hypocricy of the policy. I have two questions for you: 1. What was your immediate, gut reaction when you received the notification that you were being recalled? I imagine it was something along the lines of "you've got to be kidding me!" 2. Since your story has gone public, what has been the reaction of your current and former shipmates? I hope it has been supportive, but I suspect not in all cases. Your story is an important one - keep telling it! Warm regards, Zoe Dunning, CDR, SC, USNR CDR Dunning HAHAHA! Me and my roommate said that very thing in unison. It was shocking! I couldn't believe it and when I decided to go, she said "After all they did to you? Are you crazy?" I don't know, maybe I have that need to serve, need to feel that I can make some kind of difference. Missing the camaraderie, the Navy itself, as I am sure you feel. It is crazy! There has been so much support from so many people. Even people I have never met before have contacted me. If there is negative out there, it sure hasn't come to me yet. But it's not anything I can't face when it comes. Thanks so much. Hoorah Navy! 5. Thank you and Congratulations to you not only for your patriotism and love of you country, but for being selfless enough and brave enough to not only join the military, but to be the face of the GLBT military community. Whether you chose it or not, your story is going to be extremely important to many GLBT servicemembers. I wonder what your advice would be to GLBT servicemembers who are currently overseas? How would you advice them as far as their openness? Good luck to you! Jen Mionske Hey Jen, Its very tough to judge the situation. You really need to ask yourself if you will be willing to accept the consequences should word get out further than you plan. My best advice would be to first tell your friend, someone you feel closest to and trust. You would not believe how liberating it feels to tell someone, even if it is just one person. I hope that helps. Thanks Jen for your kind words. 6. First, I want to say thank you for putting a face on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" It has needed a persons face for a long time. I am sure you do not feel like a Hero, just doing what you feel is right. Yet, you are a Hero to so many people. My question for you is Do you have any plans after your year of active duty, if not renewed, to go public with a fight against the policy in which you were dismissed? Once again Thank You for standing up for your beliefs! You have been given a great setting to enact change. Andrew Shelton Boonville, IN Wow Andrew, You hit the nail on the head. I really don't feel much like a hero at all. I sent a letter in, not even thinking it would be published and boom! It's everywhere. Yes it is overwhelming, but I realize that this has been put on me and yes, I do feel obligated to do all I can for the GLBT community, and that I will. I am sure the Navy will not want me back, so yes I plan on doing as much volunteer work as I can. Maybe, even if small, I can help to make a difference. Thanks so much for your support Andrew. Thanks guys! Wow this was great, and Andrew's comments really hit me. Look forward to more. Jason

Labels: jason knight

05-09-07 Comment (1)

Do Ask: Questions for Jason Knight

Frontlines is partnering with Pam's House Blend to give our readers an opportunity to submit questions for a blog interview with Navy Petty Officer Jason Knight. Jason's story - of serving openly in Kuwait after being recalled to active duty - has been the topic du jour on news outlets across the country. Now, our readers get a chance to ask Jason their own questions! Here's how it works: Leave your question here in the comments section of Frontlines. Then, later this evening, SLDN and The Blend will choose some of those questions for our interview with Jason. Then, look for your answers in Pam's upcoming interview! - Steve Ralls UPDATE: Thank you to everyone at Frontlines and The Blend who submitted questions for Jason. We have forwarded a sample of your questions along to him, and will be posting his responses soon! Feel free to continue posting questions, and we'll try to do a second round with Jason in a few days.

Labels: in the news, jason knight

05-08-07 Comment (19)

John McCain Doesn’t See Dead People . . .

. . . and so he cannot, apparently, tell you if Barry Goldwater still supports gays in the military. But he can tell you that he certainly does not. The Senator (and 2008 presidential candidate), whose predecessor from Arizona was none other than Goldwater himself, recently spoke at a Google candidate forum in California, where he was asked about his stance on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." After the gathering, CBS 5 reporter Hank Plante followed up on the question, asking specifically about McCain's recent letter to SLDN. As you can see from their report, McCain stands by his defense of the ban and insists, despite a recent poll showing that 73% of troops are comfortable with gays, that they really aren't. Oh yes, and Barry Goldwater is apparently dead. - Steve Ralls

Labels: 2008, in the news, McCain

05-07-07 Comment (1)

The Writing on the Wall

Stars & Stripes reported yesterday on the case of Seamen Burnell Wright and Shaniqua Washington, two sailors onboard the USS Kitty Hawk who found themselves the targets of anti-gay harassment . . . and soon found themselves out of a job. "The writing," as the paper reported on Sunday, "was on the wall." Wright and Washington, who are both married and bisexual, found "Washington Loves Wright" scrawled on a bathroom wall. Then, shortly thereafter, a more threatning message appeared: "Dyke bitches gonna get stitches," along with other, equally disturbing graffiti. Washington even found lesbian pornography on her ship rack. Feeling unwelcome and threatened aboard the ship, both women left the service under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." "We were being singled out," Wright said. “We were forced to quit because what we were going through on the ship." "They said they had seen 'Soldier’s Girl' a few months ago," the paper reported, "a movie about the 1999 killing of Army Pfc. Barry Winchell in Fort Campbell, Ky. It exemplified the worst-case scenario of what could happen in a homophobic military, they said. Winchell was dating a pre-operative transsexual when he was beaten to death with a baseball bat by two members of his company." Winchell was also the subject of base graffiti in the days leading up to his murder. To the credit of the Kitty Hawk's command, however, it appears that the harassment was taken seriously, and the sailors treated as fairly as the law allows. The graffiti was removed, and the sailors, per their request, were dismissed under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Washington received an honorable discharge, but Wright’s chain of command recommended a general discharge — a much lower discharge characterization. The Kitty Hawk’s commanding officer, Capt. Ed McNamee, however, rejected the board’s recommendation and changed Wright’s discharge to honorable. The resolution, though, doesn't resolve the difficult choice too many troops have to make: Continue a career they love, or go to work every day in an environment that is, by federal law, officially unwelcoming to them. - Steve Ralls

Labels: harassment, in the news

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05-07-07 Comment (0)