Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Lady Gaga on the Frontlines of Repeal

After a struggle that has lasted more than a year, I received the first form of written communication from the military about a month ago telling me that I was discharged from the Marine Corps. My dreams of serving in the U.S. military and eventually commissioning as an officer were short-lived, and I was discharged only a few months before my 23rd birthday. Since my discharge, I’ve been learning to tell my story about serving in silence under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” while at the same time learning to be comfortable with being open about my sexuality. This has been a struggle similar to what many young LGBT people deal with today: Understanding and being yourself.

I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to attend the Lady Gaga concert in DC on Tuesday night with SLDN clients, staff and former service members impacted by DADT – David Hall, a former Air Force Staff Sergeant fired under DADT who now serves SLDN as Development Director/IT Manager; Katie Miller, a top West Point cadet who resigned in August to protest the discriminatory law; Josh Tjaden, SLDN Major Gifts Officer; and Stacy Vasquez, former Army Sergeant, First Class, who was fired under DADT.

Before the concert we had the privilege of personally meeting with Lady Gaga backstage. She listened intently as we shared our stories and told her about the work SLDN does for our service members. I couldn’t help but notice how real she seemed; real as a person, as a friend, as an activist – not what you would normally expect from a celebrity who Forbes Magazine lists as the second most powerful musician in the world. She was genuine, she asked questions, she cared, and she wanted to know: “What are we going to do about this?”

Throughout her performances she would stop to stress the importance of being free and being a unique individual. Before singing ‘Speechless,’ Gaga thanked all service members for their commitment to our country and then dedicated the song to them. Noting that DADT discrimination prevents LGBT patriots from serving openly, she discussed how she had met with members of SLDN before the show and shared Stacy’s and Katie’s stories of courage. During other parts of the show she would exclaim “Repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell!” to be followed by overwhelming screams and applause of support from the audience. Gaga’s message was clear, and her fans were completely supportive.

I’ve been a fan of Lady Gaga for a while, but it wasn’t until my experience this week that I understand what inspires her. She lives and thrives off of her fans and the struggles that they deal with on a daily basis. The LGBT community is potentially on the verge of a vote that would pave the way for DADT repeal – a goal we have been struggling to achieve since 1993. This movement is one that has encompassed our community and service members, and we are counting on our elected officials to take repeal to the finish line. We continue to share our stories and make our voices heard, following the lead of supporters like Lady Gaga.

All of us must continue to do our part to end this unjust law. Read our latest action alert and call both your senators today. Urge them to vote for DADT repeal the week of September 20: http://bit.ly/cJxRG2.

09-09-10 By Danny Hernandez, former Marine Lance Corporal |