SLDN Launches Personal DADT Stories Campaign
One of the nation’s largest gays-in-the-military groups has launched a new campaign, aimed at putting a face on the country’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ban on gays serving openly.
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network says the campaign will feature messages from men and women in the military, who are directly impacted by the policy The first letter, posted on Monday, was written by former Air Force major Mike Almy – who was discharged when private e-mails to his partner were discovered.
SLDN executive director Aubrey Sarvis says he hopes Almy’s story and others will convince President Obama and members of Congress to push for a repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell as soon as possible.
Sarvis: “When you’re able to say – ‘Here is Mike Almy. He was discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. This is a career that was destroyed under this discriminatory law. This is a huge loss for our country.’ – When you put a face on it, it becomes very real.”
Sarvis said this campaign is not aimed at changing people’s minds about repealing the ban – he says America already overwhelmingly supports lifting the policy. The campaign’s goal is to make that repeal happen this year.
Sarvis: “This issue is not a divisive one. This is not a wedge issue. Repeal resonates with Republicans, Independents and Democrats. What we need now is a sense of urgency in terms of getting this done this year.”
“Stories from the Frontlines: Letters to President Barack Obama,” can be viewed at SLDN’s website, as well as on more than a dozen participating LGBT blogs.
