Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

End of the Road: The L Word “Lays Down the Law” in Episode 5.08

Girl meets girl, girl falls in love with girl, girl loses her military career. Wait, that's not how that's supposed to go. This Sunday on The L Word, Captain Tasha Williams was discharged from the Armed Forces for violation of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." It sucks for Tasha, who loved being a soldier and excelled at her job. And it sucks for the United States Army, who can ill afford to lose her. Who knows? Maybe next week on The L Word a fictional Congress will finally repeal this stupid "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law so that brave and honorable service members like Tasha can serve without being forced to hide who they are. On TV, the writers and producers can make their fantasy Congress do whatever they want. In real life, everyday people like us have to keep the pressure on Congress to repeal this wasteful, discriminatory, unnecessary law by passing the Military Readiness Enhancement Act. Next week is SLDN's sixth annual Lobby Day. SLDN supporters will be flooding Capitol Hill with our message of military strength and equality under the law. If you're in the DC area or can make the trip, join us on Friday March 7 for Lobby Day. The Rally to Repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is happening on Friday March 7 at 12:30 in front of the Capitol, and it's going to be hot. Come take an hour to raise your voice in protest of this wasteful, mean law. Rally for the day when no American will have to lie about who they are as a condition of military service. If you or someone you care about is serving under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," know that SLDN is here for you. Please call us for free legal help. Tasha's trial was dramatized, sure, but was more or less a good look at how the military is forced to investigate and discharge good troops because of Congress's bad law. One particular exchange kicked me in the gut, though, beyond the fact that a great soldier was getting kicked out just for being queer. COLONEL DAVIS: So, you're a lesbian, Miss Piezecki? ALICE: Last time I checked. Well, last time I checked, Alice is bisexual. Far be it from me to tell other bisexual people what words to use or how to identify, but given how rampant biphobia is in our community I was very disappointed that The L Word chose to continue a damaging trend of erasing the lives of bisexual people. Hurting our own ain't cool, folks. I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store next for Tasha and the woman she loves. Looking forward to seeing what's next for Shane and Molly too. And don't even get me started on Bette and Tina. The drama never seems to end, huh? -Jill Raney

Labels: guest blogger, the l word

02-29-08