Why the Repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Can’t Wait
By: Lakisha Watson- Moore, YDA Veteran’s and Military Affairs Caucus Chair

“Ending DADT is just the beginning. We need to give members discharged because of DADT the full benefits they have earned. I am a progressive veteran of the US Navy (2000-2004). I loved my service. I loved the fact that I served my country while remaining true to myself. I know I made a difference. I want to say the something about my gay brothers and sisters who served because of Secretary Robert Gates’ and Adm. Mike Mullen’s announcement on over turning DADT.

While my gay brothers and sisters served honorably, they continue to be denied the right to be who they are. I could openly talk about my marriage to my colleagues but my gay shipmates could not. My husband could receive FREE medical treatment from a DOD doctor, my gay shipmates spouses could not. I could attend a military ball with my significant other. My gay shipmates could not bring their significant other without jeopardizing their military careers. I could write-in “spouse” as the beneficiary of my insurance policy without question in case I died but my married gay colleagues could not. I could die and be buried with my spouse and my LGBT buddies could not. One thing that goes under the radar is that because of DADT many of my colleagues who served honorably and families were denied the benefits a I was afforded because of who they are. I am happy that the Obama Administration is making strides but we need to do more…

I am not a lawyer or a V.A. expert. Nor do I claim to be. I do not know the in’s and out’s of the V.A or the DOD. All I am is a vet who served with folks from all walks of life. Some were gay and some were not. For many of us it was no big deal. All that mattered to me was that they were my shipmate and had my back and I owed them the same. For me ending this law is a matter of decency, civil rights and good old common sense.”


Take action to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ now! It just takes a minute, and our country cannot wait any longer.
http://action.yda.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=138