On September 21, 2010, Senate denied a motion that would possibly lead to the repeal the military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy. Senate's support behind their decision? They basically want to stall until they find a "scientific study" that justifies the military's implementation of principles rooted in homophobia. I'm not surprised. Homosexuality has been the topic of ethical debate since before the term was even coined. Sexual orientation that goes against 'the norm' is largely frowned upon and even punishable by death in one too many countries. And what's that saying? "Rome wasn't built in a day." ... Right? Right. I'm sure many advocates for gay rights are feeling the blow right now along with me. After watching footage of Lady GaGa's speech at the DADT rally in Portland, Maine, it's hard to NOT feel pumped for the cause, even if you're already aware of the results. The meat-wearing entertainer might not have seemed like the most well-spoken person to front the cause (despite her enthusiasm), but her points were valid, emotional, personal, and strong. Though I have no gay friends who are enlisted - or the intention of serving myself - her words really struck a nerve with me.
"I thought equality was non-negotiable. And, let's say, if the government can pick and choose who they are fighting for as exemplified in laws like "Don't ask, don't tell", shouldn't we as Americans be made aware of this imbalance? Shouldn't it be made clear to the citizens of this country before we go to war? Shouldn't I be made aware ahead of time that some of us are just not included in that fight? We're going to war for you, and you, and you, and you, and you, but not YOU because you're gay. You can risk your life for this war, for this country, but in the end, you're not fighting for yourself. You're fighting for us. You're fighting for straight people. You are not included when we say equal. You're not even fully included when we say freedom." -- Lady Gaga
Am I disappointed with the results? Yes. Do I think this is the end of this battle, though? I think Lady GaGa would agree when I say: how about a resounding hell no.
Watch Lady GaGa's speech in full here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-ostroy/gaga-over-gaga_b_733629.html
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