No Apathy at Atlanta Pride
We could hardly keep up with the overwhelming demand for stickers, buttons, and petitions from a myriad of repeal supporters at this year's Atlanta Pride.
People crowded in front of the booth to sign petitions, forming long lines that highlighted the tremendous enthusiasm in the LGBT community for lifting the ban this year. The crowd was pumped, no twisting of arms required.
One girl said that her father was an active military service member and he was for repealing the ban. Others told of family members who were in the military for whom they were signing the petition. Of course, there were many veterans (Vietnam to Iraq) who wanted to sign for their active brothers and sisters.
Two French reporters were also covering Atlanta Pride as part of a documentary on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." They could not remember a time when gays hadn't been allowed to serve openly in their nation's military. Lady Gaga's public advocacy for repeal had inspired them to document our own struggle for open service.
This year's Pride underscored the extraordinary momentum for overturning the ban, even in the South where we have some of the most resistant elected officials. My advice to them: Join the movement or let history forever speak of your stubbornness. Call both your senators today and tell them to end DADT this year.
10-18-10 By Michael A. Edwards |
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