Mobilizing for Freedom and Equality
I love our country and I am very proud of our military. I served in the US Navy for almost 30 years. For much of my career I went to work each day in fear that I might be outed and that my career would be ended. An estimated 65,000 U.S. service members are currently serving under those conditions because of the DADT law. These service members are willing to do whatever our country asks and to help ensure freedom across the globe, yet they are not free or equal in their own country. DADT is a counterproductive, outdated, and un-American law. More than two dozen countries now allow gays to serve openly. In these countries gay people, like everyone else, are judged on their ability and demonstrated performance.
I am joining the March in hopes that this event will help to educate the public and our lawmakers about the inequities that gay people face under laws like DADT, and encourage grassroots support in this fight for full equality. I look forward to joining you at the March on Sunday Oct. 11, and hope you participate in the many DADT-related activities that will be taking place the day before on Saturday, including SLDN's happy hour at Nellie's Sports Bar (9th and V, NW) here in DC from 4-6 p.m. This will be a great opportunity to meet LGBT veterans and allies as we gather to support the freedom to serve for all patriots.
10-05-09 By CAPT Joan E. Darrah, USN (Ret) |
2 Comments
Comments for this entry are closed.Ride or Die BiT** in Up In The SHI* on October 06, 2009 at 11.01 am
I just wanted to tell Joan that my advice to her is not to go…. It just isn’t worth it for her to go…. It’s not worth it and you need to wait untill full supreme equality arrives before you attend.
Incase you didn’t know….!
Mike Gorman in Stockton, Ca on October 06, 2009 at 03.04 am
Mam, I’m sorry to say I won’t be able to make the march. However, I do look forward to Fleet Week happening in San Fransisco this coming weekend. It’ll be my first since I left the Navy in 2005. My heart goes out to those who will be attending the march, and I hope it’s a damn good show. Hopefully, somebody I know will be there at Fleet Week. I do miss my shipmates.