Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Keep the Momentum Going

Members of the SLDN team spent the weekend speaking to service members, both former and active-duty, and supporters of repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” at Fargo-Moorehead Pride in North Dakota – all part of our comprehensive effort to shore up support for repeal in a key state.

There were booths representing support from organizations that run the spectrum of issues in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBT) – everything from the Unitarian Universalists, a teen LGBT suicide prevention center, OutFront and corporate sponsors like Best Buy.

Our booth was busy all day as we met supporters who signed our repeal petition, talked to Iraq war veteran and repeal advocate Tony Woods about his experience being discharged, and others who shared their personal story of how DADT impacted them or someone they know. Many people also wanted to discuss the pending discharge of Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach. His story is reminding Americans from coast to coast that DADT is not repealed yet, and the military is still losing amazing and qualified people under this terrible law.

I also had the opportunity to meet a college student who had just written a paper on DADT repeal and why voters in all 50 states should contact both their senators and urge them to support repeal. She was concerned that complacency had set in, and we were going to lose the victories that we have already accomplished, like passing the bill in the House of Representatives.

Tony and I were slated to speak on stage after a local band. While we were walking towards the stage, the keyboard player of the band, having no idea who was speaking after her, announced that she had been discharged under DADT! It was definitely a reminder to me of how many people have been affected by this law. Thank you to Josh, the Pride organizer for giving us the opportunity to take the stage and urge people to get in touch with their senators.

We felt so welcomed and supported by the community. When we were driving around and setting up for Pride, people in town were generally chatty and asked us why were in town. When we explained that we were there to build support for DADT repeal we were welcomed without hesitation. Once again it’s clear that most Americans, regardless of what part of the country they live or on what side of the political aisle they fall, believe this law should go.

All in all, we had a fantastic trip, met a lot of great people, and felt great about the pressure building in North Dakota on Senators Dorgan and Conrad!

Now we need people in North Dakota – and all 50 states – to keep the momentum into September. Call, write, and meet both your senators, and write letters to your local papers today!

08-16-10 By Emily Sussman, Legislative Associate |