photo courtesy of 2.bp.blogspot.com

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” a policy in which openly, LGBT individuals are prevented from serving in the U.S. military, is one that activists have been protesting for years. It actually prohibits anyone who “demonstrate(s) a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts” from serving in the armed forces of the United States, because “it would create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability.”

This past October, President Obama said that he would end the policy that has lead to 13,000 servicemen and women being discharged. He said, “We should not be punishing patriotic Americans who have stepped forward to serve the country…We should be celebrating their willingness to step forward and show such courage…”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is tired of waiting around. She has launched the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Story Project,” which houses stories of those that have affected by these policies. Like, Tonya Domi, former Captain, U.S. Army:

I was called in, read my Miranda rights, not knowing what I was accused of.  It produces fear and anxiety, lack of confidence. I was asked lewd and embarrassing questions. I was told lesbianism is degenerate and disgusting. It is totally malevolent. You shut down as a person, which makes you shut down as a soldier. When the soldier is compromised, the unit is compromised too.

And this is just one of many stories that servicemen and women have shared. You can add your own story on the site.

The project asks for you to take action and sign the petition calling for an end the unfair policy that denies rights to those that risk their lives for this country.

February 3, 2010 by crissy
Tags: don't ask, Don't Ask Don't Tell Story Project, don't tell, Kirsten Gillibrand, lgbt, military, President Obama, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. military