Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

In His Own Words—Eric Alva

Speaking at the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association’s (NLGJA) annual conference in San Diego, CA was a positive experience, not just for me, but for the many people in the audience. I believe that as much as you hear about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," you never fully understand the law until you hear about it, first-hand, from Veterans who have served under it. You never appreciate the sacrifice it takes to live under the policy, until you have the chance to look a gay service member in the eye. Panels, like this, are an opportunity for American’s to put a face, be it young or old, to the problem of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and, for the first time, meet someone who has experienced life in the military while being gay. Discussions like these (with, hopefully, many more to come) are just what we need, so that American’s can hear the truth about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and finally make informed decisions about why the law needs to be repealed. Sitting next to people like Former Navy Petty Officer Jason Knight was a true blessing. When you hear from other service members, and learn about their experiences, you realize that you are not alone; and how important it is for Americans to elect leaders who will repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell. -Eric Alva -----

09-10-07