Celebrate the Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" at Waterside

As I have noted before, I welcome the dearth of Don't Ask, Don't Tell - a failed policy based on nothing more than improper religious based bigotry that was should never have been written in the the nation's laws. On September 20, 2011, DADT will be where it belongs: on the trash heap of history. Over time I suspect the impact of DADT repeal will be significant in the Hampton Roads area, home of the world's largest naval base and many other military installations. As more and more service members come out over time, our openly LGBT population will increase markedly and do much to dispel the false image of LGBT individuals perpetrated by Christianists and similar bigots. Moreover, imagine the impact when out service members are recognized for their heroism in the line of duty. Tiny Perkins, Victoria Cobb, Elaine Donnelly, etc. will be shown to be the hate filled bigots that they are in fact.

To commemorate this historic occasion, there will be a celebration event at Elements of Waterside on the waterfront in Norfolk from 6:00 to 8:00PM. On this night, many from the Hampton Roads area - including the boyfriend and myself - will celebrate that for the first time, gay and lesbian members of the U.S. Military will be able to serve openly. I believe that this will be a wonderful opportunity for our community and LGBT friendly allies to celebrate another big step in the movement towards full equality under this nation's laws!

The honorary hosts for the event include the following, seven of whom are friends an/or clients:

Jamie Barnett, Rear Admiral, USNR (Retired)
Gregory Smith, Veteran USN (1977-'87)
Don King, Veteran, USN
Tracy Thorne-Begland, Veteran, USNR
Joan Darrah, CAPT, USN (Retired)
William Harmon, Veteran, USMC
Thomas Field, COL, USAR (Retried)
Christy Berghoff, Veteran, USAF (1999-’03)
Robert Roman, Veteran, USN
James Hermansen-Parker, Veteran, USN
Beth Whyle, Veteran, USN
Roxie Hoven, Veteran, USN
Thomas Formisano, Veteran, USN (1985-'93)
Deborah Maurio, Veteran, USN
Dana Miller, Veteran, USN (1999-'10)
Sherrise Powers, CSM, US Army (Retired)
Nicole Carry, Veteran, USN (1991-'97)
Adrian Bond, Veteran, US Army ('86-'99)