Since there doesn’t seem to be anything on the Boob Tube (oh, can I say that anymore?) tonight, I suggest you pop on over to our little podcast show tonight.
UPDATED: Listen to GayPatriot’s America right here, right now!
GAYPATRIOT’S AMERICA
8PM EASTERN TIME ON BLOGTALKRADIO.COM
SUBSCRIBE TO GayPatriot’s America on iTunes.
We will be talking about a new documentary focusing on the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy of the US government. The film is called “Ask Not“.
ASK NOT is a rare and compelling exploration of the effects of the US military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell†policy. The film exposes the tangled political battles that led to the discriminatory law and examines the societal shifts that have occurred since its passage in 1993. Current and veteran gay soldiers reveal how “don’t ask, don’t tell†affects them during their tours of duty, as they struggle to maintain a double life, uncertain of whom they can trust. The film also explores how gay veterans and youth organizers are turning to forms of personal activism to overturn the policy. From a national speaking tour of conservative universities to protests at military recruitment offices, these public events question how the U.S. military can claim to represent democracy and freedom while denying one segment of the population the right to serve.
Our guests tonight include the Director/Producer of the film, Johnny Symons; Al Steinman – Rear Admiral (Retired), USPHS/USCG; and Jarrod Chlapowski & Alexander Nicholson – Deputy Director and Executive Director of Servicemembers United.
Please join in the discussion tonight at GayPatriot’s America!
-Bruce (GayPatriot)
UPDATE (from John, Average Gay Joe): It was truly a pleasure and an honor to speak with all of these gentlemen last night. I just wanted to share some links to websites that were referred to and others that you can visit for more information.
First of all, 3 of our guests have their own blogs which are interesting to read. For anyone currently serving in the military, thinking of joining or if you just want more information about efforts to repeal the DADT policy, you can contact them through these sites :
Secondly, in addition to Servicemembers United, other fine organizations working to have the ban repealed include the following:
Thirdly, the predecessor group to Servicemembers United spoken about on the podcast, The Call to Duty Tour, has some excellent video and audio I highly recommend to learn more that can be found here. Although these folks were not on last night, if you are interested in listening to a podcast by a gay soldier and his straight buddies who are all currently serving, I highly recommend the DADT Podcast. It’s very entertaining!
Finally, for those interested in giving support to our soldiers overseas, as one listener asked about, please check out some of the fine organizations listed below. Give generously as their service and sacrifices for the country are certainly worth it:
Great podcast! Thanks!
I would have liked to have been able to ask some questions myself like:
“What can we do to support the effort to repeal DADT?”
“Are there plans for another 12,000 Flags event?”
I’m sure I’ll have more comments on this, but I haven’t eaten dinner yet, and my brain isn’t functioning. Good job, guys! I wish you would do more of these podcast, but I know that it’s easier said than done.
Thanks for a great report! I listened to it this morning on the subway downtown to support a Marine. Long story, but the civil courts have gotten involved in military issues, not a good thing! For more info on the case: http://www.blackfive.net/
There were 20 of us in the courtroom and we did make a difference. The lawyer who is retired Marine – had tears in his eyes. So even if it’s just a few people who are out to make a difference – one can effect change!
John thanks for mentioning Operation Gratitude. http://www.opgratitude.com/view_album.php?album=67, that’s me in the 5th photo, we sent out 15,000 boxes to our troops this weekend, and I think I personally schleped at least 2000 of them – it sure felt that way!