Frontlines Feed: The Latest from SLDN

What Does Rummy REALLY Think About the Gays?

Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld (pictured) has given his first post-exit interview with, of all outlets, GQ Magazine. In it, we learn that Rummy's wife rides a mule, that he employs "two young, studly pilots" to fly him around the country and that maybe - just maybe - he was never all that in line with his boss when it came to LGBT issues. From GQ's exclusive interview with the former Pentagon chief comes this exchange: Q: How does Donald Rumsfeld feel about gay marriage, abortion, etc.? A: "Um, I'm not gonna get into it." Q: But why? A: "The administration has positions on these things, and if you're part of the administration, you're supportive of the administration." Q: Yeah, but you're not anymore. A: "I know. But it's just not the way I am." It's one of those things that make you go "hmmmmmm." Was Rumsfeld, in defending and implementing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" during his time as Secretary of Defense, simply towing the Administration line? Is it possible he actually wouldn't have any problem with gays in the military? And what's up with those two "young, studly pilots" he has at the controls these days? OK - so the last question is purely for our own fascination. But the first two deserve serious consideration. Will Rummy, after Bush leaves office, perhaps speak out on our side? As he himself might say, "There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don't know we don't know." We may have to wait till 2009 to know for sure. - Steve Ralls

Labels: in the news, rumsfeld

09-10-07 Comment (4)

SLDN Saves Career of Army MP

Many of you may have become familiar with the case of Chris Mastromario, an MP with the Army's Old Guard, who was charged with three counts of felony assult because he is perceived to be gay. The tragedy of Chris's story caught the attention of national figures, including House Majority Leader, Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Sen. Barbra Mikulski (D-MD), as well as local media. As a result this story has a happy ending! SLDN is pleased to announce that Chris Mastromarino has been retained by the Army and will be allowed to complete his term of enlistment!! While the convictions will remain on his record, the fact that he is able to complete his term of service means that, after he leaves the service, Chris may still be able to fulfuill his lifelong dream of one-day becoming a police officer. -Victor Maldonado -----

09-07-07 Comment (0)

Equador Considers allowing Gays in the Military

The web site Blabbeanado is reporting that Ecuadorian Defense Minister, Lorena Escudero has announced her resignation from office in the wake of her efforts to allow gays and lesbians to serve in the Ecudorian armed forces. Ms. Escudero's troubles began last week when El Universo reported that the Ecuadorian Defense Ministry intended to revise its regulations and allow gays and lesbians to serve in that country's military. Such a move would have placed Ecuador on a growing list of 24 nations that allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in their armed forces (Australia, Austria, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland & South Africa). According to the report, Ms. Escudero's efforts were part of a larger reform package that would have brought the country's military in line with the Ecuadorian constitution, which bans discrimination based on sexual orientation. In a carefully crafted statement to media, Ms. Escudero explained that her efforts were aimed specifically at retaining gay and lesbian soldiers who were already in service, and should not be seen as an effort to recruit gays and lesbians into the armed forces. However, by Friday, August 31st Ms. Escudero announced her resignation. That same day, media outlets reported that Dr. Wellington Sandoval would become the next head of the Ecuadorian Defence Ministry. All is not lost for Ecuadorians who beleive that gays and lesbians should be allowed to serve in their military. Before her departure, Ms. Escudero told reporters that Ecuadorian President, Rafael Correra told her, "It is the role of government to advocate for equal rights." -Victor Maldonado

09-07-07 Comment (1)

Details on the Ban

The October issue of Details Magazine includes a fantastic article by reporter Melba Newsome about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and changing attitudes about LGBT service members inside the military. The Military's New Gay Games features interviews with SLDN's Jason Knight, as well as with SLDN clients Brian Fricke & Austin Rooke and SLDN board member Chris Hammet. "After 15 years, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' has never been so ineffective - or so controversial," Newsome writes. "Some hail the law as a safeguard against unit polarization; others condemn it as an ineffective policy of dubious purpose, enforced virtually at random. High-ranking officials - including General John Shalikashvili, who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff when the law was implemented - are increasingly calling for its repeal. Meanwhile, like-minded officers are finding themselves having to violate the law." Newsome's article takes an especially close look at the experiences of Fricke, Knight and Rooke . . . all of whom served openly durinig their time in the military. "This is an old policy promoted by an old generation," Fricke tells her. "A wise commander knows that every troop is valuable to the mission, and he is not going to blindly enforce a policy of discrimination." And Knight, who now serves as SLDN's communications associate, tells Details that he misses the Navy, but has found a new way to be of service. "I get to be the voice for the 65,000 gays and lesbians in the military who can't speak out," he said. The October issue of Details is on newsstands now. - Steve Ralls

Labels: in the news

09-07-07 Comment (1)

Remembering Cheryl Spector

The SLDN family is pausing to remember Cheryl Ann Spector, who passed away earlier this week of leukemia. She was 49. Cheryl was a well known—and well liked—Washington DC activist dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights; HIV/AIDS, women’s health and a myriad of other important civil rights and cultural issues. She is most known for her efforts to chronicle the history of the gay civil rights movement. She was most often seen with a video camera in hand and never seemed to miss a protest, demonstration, or special event. Cheryl was not just a passionate activist, but she was also a friend, to both SLDN and to me. I’ve known Cheryl since 1991, when I first met her at Queer Nation, ACT UP, and pro-choice activist meetings. Her dedication and commitment to the community seemed endless. We protested the lack of funding for HIV/AIDS research and services; held vigils for those hurt and killed in anti-gay violence; we gathered signatures on petitions seeking to end employment discrimination; participated in organizing national marches; and we worked to end the then policy against gays in the military. She continued to fight for all those causes until her death. Cheryl has been a supporter and volunteer for SLDN since our start—volunteering to help staff SLDN’s first table at DC’s Pride festival. Since then she’s volunteered every time we called on her for help. Cheryl never said no to causes she supported. In fact, just this past March, she volunteered at SLDN’s National Dinner for part of the evening and then left to volunteer the remainder of the evening for DC-PFLAG. Later this month, Cheryl was to receive the “Unsung Hero Award” at the annual gala of The Mautner Project, a national lesbian health organization. Cheryl was a rare and special person. She will be sorely missed by all of us here at SLDN. The District of Columbia is a much emptier place without her. - Polly Stamatopoulos

09-06-07 Comment (1)

Of John McCain, Acronyms & What America’s About

Senator John McCain (R-AZ), speaking to students at Concord High School in New Hampshire, became quite confused when asked about the LGBT community. According to The Trail, a student asked McCain what he "would do on LGBT issues." Then, "McCain, paused, confused by the question. Someone in the crowd shouted out 'lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.' 'I had not heard that phrase before,' McCain said of LGBT." Good grief. Is John McCain - who is campaigning to be our country's chief executive - really so out of touch with the country that he doesn't even know who we are? (I remember well, during the 2004 campaign, when Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun was praised for referring to our community by the very same acronym. At the time, one press outlet reported her embrace of the phrase progressive. And in the 2008, it should just be plain common sense.) But regardless, once educated about the four-letter reference, McCain caught on, and came out with his usual anti-gay tirade. "McCain then explained that while he opposed discrimination, he also felt marriage was between a man and a woman and noted he supported the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy on gays in the military," The Trail reports. "The student, a junior named William Sleaster, then persisted, asking the candidate if he supported gay marriage or civil unions. McCain said 'I do not.'" The student, standing at microphone across from the stage where McCain was speaking then declared 'I came here to see a good leader. I do not.'" McCain just said, "That's what America's about." Oh really, Senator? Because I have this crazy idea that, in addition to the right to disagree and dissent, America is also about equal protection, equal justice and equal rights under the law. Some of us actually think it's OK to serve our country, love our partner and be full citizens . . . even if, yes, we're LGBT. It's sad to see John McCain so out of touch with the country he wants to lead. The 'maverick' Senator, once admired for taking principled stands is increasingly standing alone. Do we really want a president who divides and conquers and thinks inequality is what America is all about? I do not. - Steve Ralls

Labels: 2008, in the news, McCain

09-06-07 Comment (1)

Honoring the History-Makers

This year, the GLBT Historical Society is paying special tribute to the men and women who have served in our nation's military. SLDN is proud to be an honoree at this year's Historial Society gala, and honored to join with the Society in recognizing those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Now, you can be part of that, too. The GLBT Historical Society is offering an opportunity for the public to pay tribute to someone who has served in the armed forces by placing ads in this year's program book, or by participating in the dog tag or 'Wall of Rememberance' programs. The Dog Tag Program: The dog tag is an instantly recognizable military symbol. In keeping with the theme for this year's gala, you may purchase a virtual dog tag which will be printed in clusters in the program. These tags are intended for you to honor the military service of a friend, family member or other loved one, either currently serving, or who who has served in the past. Whether it is a sister currently serving in Iraq or a grandfather who stormed the shores of Normandy, this is an excellent opportunity to give thanks for their courage and selflessness. (In respect of individual privacy and recognition of certain current policies of the military, the program will clearly indicate that the inclusion of a name here does not imply the sexual orientation of the person being honored.) The Wall of Rememberance: We will also be including an opportunity to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice - giving their lives in active duty. Inspired by the Vietnam Memorial, the Wall of Remembrance will be a place to record a name, a quote or brief personal reminiscence. These entries will be featured among the names of celebrated and undersung heroes of our community gathered from the GLBT Historical Society archives. (As with the dog tags, the program will clearly indicate that the inclusion of a name here does not imply the sexual orientation of the person being honored.) For more information on these unique opportunities to honor someone in your life, click here.

Labels: community events

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09-05-07 Comment (0)

It’s in the Way He Walks

The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has released a new study that looks at 'gaydar,' that elusive quality by which some people seem to be able to pick out the LGBT members of a crowd. What they've found is that 'gaydar' seems to be all about body type and motion, and specifically about the (yes) rear-end movements of the subject being observed. "112 undergraduate observers were shown videos of the backsides of the volunteers as they walked at various speeds on the treadmill," the Journal reports. "The observers were able to determine the volunteers' sexual orientation with an overall rate of accuracy that exceeded chance, even though they could not see the volunteers' faces or the details of their clothing. Interestingly, the casual observers were much more accurate in judging the orientation of males than females; they correctly categorized the sexual orientation of men with more than 60 percent accuracy, but their categorization of women did not exceeded chance." Interesting. But what does it have to do with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" you ask? Well, as Bilerico.com explains, the study's author actually suggests that the findings may prove that the military's ban is completely irrelevant. "Studies like ours are raising questions about the value of the military's 'don't ask, don't tell' policy," the author said. "If casual observers can determine sexual orientation with minimal information, then the value in concealing this information certainly appears questionable. Given that we all appear to be able to deduce this information to some degree with just a glance, more comprehensive policies may be required to protect gays against discrimination based on their sexual orientation." So perhaps a soldier's sexual orientation is pretty difficult to hide anyway. And if it is, what's the use in trying to cover up a characteristic - especially one that has nothing to do with job performance - when it's all given away in the way he walks? - Steve Ralls

Labels: bilerico, in the news, other blogs

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09-05-07 Comment (0)

Craig’s Hypocrisy on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

Sunday's Washington Post featured a guest commentary by William Saletan about former Senator Larry Craig (pictured), hypocrisy and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." From Saletan's column: Poor Larry Craig. He's being held to the same standard of sexual conduct he imposed on the U.S. armed forces. Fourteen years ago, in his first term as a Republican senator from Idaho, Craig helped enact the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. The Air Force, for instance, now says that any airman will be discharged if he "has engaged in, attempted to engage in, or solicited another to engage in a homosexual act." According to the report filed by the police officer who arrested Craig at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in June, Craig stood outside the officer's bathroom stall for two minutes, repeatedly looked at the officer "through the crack in the door," sat in the stall next to the officer, tapped his foot and gradually "moved his right foot so that it touched the side of my left foot . . . within my stall area." Craig proceeded to "swipe his hand under the stall divider for a few seconds" three times, palm up, using the hand farthest from that side of Craig's stall. Most of these gestures, the officer said, are known pickup signals. ___ Indeed, as SLDN pointed out here at Frontlines last week, Craig was an ardent supporter of the military's ban on gay service members even in the days following his arrest in Minnesota. His letter to an active duty constituent made it seem as if he even thought openly gay troops would be a danger to straight service members. Craig wrote that, "The armed forces exist to wage war. It is unacceptable to risk the lives of American soldiers and sailors merely to accommodate the sexual lifestyles of certain individuals." He also noted that, "I don’t believe the military should be a place for social experimentation." Yet, as Saletan points out, "I'd rather live, let live and tell the guy waving his hand under the stall to buzz off. But that's not the standard Craig has applied to others. Any gay soldier, sailor, airman or Marine who admitted to doing what Craig has admitted would, at a minimum, lose his job for violating 'don't ask, don't tell.' In fact, many have been kicked out for less." Indeed. Bleu Copas, Margaret Witt, Randy Miller and Alex Nicholson are just a few of the thousands of service members dismissed under the law Craig so ardently championed. If former Senator Craig has had a change of heart about the matter in the past few days, it can be best described as "too little, too late." For, during his time in Congress, Craig was a leading proponent of a policy that he, himself, was ultimately subject to, in some small way. Now, perhaps, he understands the pain of losing a job you love simply because of who you are, or who others think you might be. - Steve Ralls

Labels: Congress, in the news

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09-04-07 Comment (0)