Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Yesterday’s hearing couldn’t have gone any better. I for one could not have felt more elated and impressed by the response from the subcommittee members. Based on the questions and comments from the Congressional members present, I think we will see repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in the not too distant future. What a great feeling. And, I have new heroes in Congress. After spending over eight years under that policy, it heartens me that one day no one will have to feel like those of us who served under it felt.

Representative Ellen Tauscher ranks high on my list of favorites. She is lead sponsor the Military Readiness Enhancement Act in the House, which drives her to the top of the list. Her appearance at the hearing yesterday only helped to lift her in my eyes. She suggested that the issue of gays in the military presented the last civil rights hurdle for us to over come.

Representative Patrick Murphy presented some very pointed questions and as a fellow, former service member, I am very proud. He asked if our service members had the professionalism to serve with members of differing sexual orientation, adding that he found it insulting for Ms. Donnelly to suggest otherwise. He definitely has a place on my list of heroes.

Representatives Shays and Snyder also belong on my list of heroes. Shays said he thought the policy was not only unpatriotic and counterproductive, but “downright cruel.” Truer words could not have been said. Snyder, equally impressive, pointed out the fear mongering attitude presented by Ms. Donnelly’s argument that HIV infection would somehow spiral out of control if the ban disappeared.

I would be terribly remiss if I did not mention the outstanding performance of the witnesses who support repeal. Staff Sergeant Eric Alva gets my deepest thanks, not only for his testimony, but what he has given to this country, and this fight. He has given more than I can ever understand, and I can only hope my meager thanks somehow help. Captain Joan Darrah, was amazing and presented a clear picture of what it means to be gay in the military. General Vance Coleman showed us how the arguments against repeal have already been used and defeated with his comparison to the desegregation of the armed forces. He was poignant and evocative. Thanks and kudos goes out to each one.

What an exciting day, and what an exciting future that lays ahead. No doubt more work still needs done, and servicemembers still need help, protection and representation. I can’t even begin to explain my excitement helping to take some of these steps to equality, but we still have to fight on and win. Hooah.

-Former Army Sergeant Daniel Pond

SLDN Legal Intern