In a defiant act of civil disobedience Lt. Dan Choi and Capt. Jim Pietrangelo chained themselves to the White House fence on Thursday in protest of the Military's discriminatory "Don't ask, don't tell" policy, that requires LGBT services members to lie. As I write this both men are still in police custody and rumors are they will be until they face a hearing Friday.
There is a call of action to stand in solidarity with Lt. Choi and Capt. Pietrangelo. A protest will convene in New York City's Times Square at noon on Friday, outside the Army Recruitment station.
From Stonewall Democrats of NYC:
Protest "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" - TOMORROW Friday March 19, 2010 - 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Times Square Army Recruitment Office:
Earlier today, in an act of civil disobedience, our friend Lieutenant Dan Choi and Captain Jim Pietrangelo were arrested at the White House gates while protesting the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. In response, a rally will be conducted at the Army Recruitment Center in Times Square, in expression of our solidarity with Choi, Pietrangelo, and the other activists, and to protest the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy's denial of LGBT enlistment in our nation’s military.
I hope that you may consider participating and raising your voice in support of these heroes in our movement.
I've heard talk of a similar protests in Orlando, Florida and other places. I wish I could be more specific and provide a helpful link, but this seems very grassroots, as in no single organizing force. This is the best linkI can provide.
I'll be there, with my Navy veteran friend. He's also a veteran of a DADT investigation. I've asked him about the experience, but he's reluctant to talk. I don't push him, it's clear it's a very painful experience for him to relive. He was outed by a colleague he thought he could trust. He then felt the commanders, who he'd respected and grown so loyal too over the years, turn into inquisitors. I know it was also traumatic when they pulled out a investigation folder that was disturbingly detailed in the minutia of where he'd gone and with who on specific dates and times. It was shocking to him how they had invaded his privacy, and so very thoroughly too.
And for what? He was popular and well liked among his fellow sailors. I know for a fact, because I still see his Navy friends post good news of late about DADT on his Facebook wall, with comments like, "fuck ya!" The rank and file didn't want him to go.
This is a draconian policy that needs to end.
Spread the word, please. This was rather impromptu.