Countdown To DADT Repeal: Day 1

Today is the last day of DADT's existence.

Michael Bedwell, from whom I've been blatantly stealing content over the past five days, reminds us today of a different sort of veteran than one we normally associate with the struggle for LGBT equality in the armed services.

Dusty Pruitt's story in many ways is remarkable.  Coming to terms with her homosexuality later than we consider commonplace today, she did not realize she was a lesbian until she had already gained a commission in the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant.  Like many of us, she came from a religious background, but unlike so many in our community, her sexual orientation did not detract from her spiritual pursuits.  While still in the Army, Pruitt became familiar with the Metropolitan Community Church, an LGBT-oriented Christian church dedicated to furthering the case of equality.  Also during her military service, she joined an MCC in Forth Worth, TX as a charter member, a brave decision for a commissioned officer at that time.  She eventually became a minister to that church.

This was a secret... at first.  Michael writes:

After a "Los Angeles Times" reporter violated her request that she not reveal she was an MCC minister AND in the Army Reserve, Dusty Pruitt was kicked out in 1983 but eventually won a 12-yr. court battle for full reinstatement. Now pastoring a United Church of Christ congregation, she once expressed concern about how many years it would take after the ban was lifted for homophobia in the ranks to end.

While the battle for the right to serve appears to have been won (for cisgender servicemembers, at least), I, too, wonder how long it will be for homophobia in the ranks to evaporate.  I myself was exposed to very limited amounts of homophobia other than my official discharge.  I was a translator surrounded by translators with a high level of education, and the idea of discriminating against me due to my sexual orientation was almost laughable.

However, it exists.  One only has to peruse the comments of a recent Military Times article to see the virulently homophobic sentiment that still exists in the rank and file (yes, you'll see my comments in there, somewhere, and I'm pretty PO'd).  Does this illustrate that the fight for full equality, not just legislatively but in the hearts and minds of the people, is a lost cause?

No.  Just as I feel that with renewed efforts our trans battle buddies will be able to serve openly without repercussions, I feel even stronger about the notion that when our children grow up and serve in the military (should they choose to do so) it will be without any iota of bias towards their sexual orientation.

After all, not only did Dusty Pruitt challenge modern ideas of faith and how sexuality can be cherished within one's church, she challenged the military's ban and was reinstated in full in the military.  It's remarkable, and it appears to be against all odds.  If Pruitt, now Reverend Pruitt, can find bridge so many divides just within one woman, how can the greatest military on Earth not do the same?

Edie Windsor Vs. Boehner's Lawyers-- I'm Thinkin' The Old Lady Is Gonna Win

Edie Windsor married her longtime partner, Thea C. Spyer, in 2007 in Toronto, taking advantage of the marriage equality laws just over the border from her native New York. After Spyer passed, Windsor was forced to pay $363,000 in taxes on her inheritance from Spyer, a tax that would have been foregone if the federal government had recognized her marriage to her wife.

Now Edie's pissed, and at 81, is suing the United States for recognition of her union to the late Spyer. The lawsuit has been filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of Windsor by the ACLU and private attorney Robbie Kaplan. In light of recent events regarding marriage equality in that state, many are hoping the lawsuit will go all the way to the top and have resounding effects for LGBT Americans.

Edie with Joe Sudbay.

Please note that this legal attack on DOMA is, of course, being defended by the US House of Representatives, as per Speaker Boehner's promise. My personal feeling (and Joe Sudbay's from Americablog)? Those poor schmucks don't stand a chance.

Windsor's lawyers are feeling confident enough in their case that they have filed a motion for summary judgment, a motion asking the presiding justice to rule without the case going to trial. I've got my fingers crossed for Edie, as do many others. Go Edie!

Traditional Values Coalition Panics Oldsters By Spreading Lies

It says a lot about the religious right that they have to lie in order to get the support they need just to survive as a movement.

A mailer has been sent out by the Christian Seniors Association (a group billing itself as the conservative alternative to the AARP-- however, instead of doing any advocacy it is merely a fundraising machine for its parent organization, the Traditional Values Coalition) claiming that Christianity has NOW BEEN OUTLAWED!!!!!11!!!!1!!1!

Of course, this is alarmist bullshit-- Obama himself is a Christian, as he stated at the National Prayer Breakfast, and would hardly want to outlaw the Bible.  All the Hate Crimes Act legislates is that Americans can't incite violence against gay people.  Of course, I'm sure the TVC doesn't REALLY care about this-- they're using it as an opportunity to raise money to buy more boats, condos, and fancy jewelry. 

I know!  I should use fear mongering and lies to raise money so that I can pay rent!  This couchsurfing thing is really getting old.

[RightWingWatch]

Barbie Bush Ain't Got no Love for Mama Bear

While talking to Larry King, fellow old person Barbara Bush had this to say about Sarah Palin:

"I sat next to her once.  I thought she was beautiful and I think she's very happy in Alaska and I hope she'll stay there."





As evidenced by my mom (she's really old too, just really effing old), Barbara shows us that wrinkly bitches know how to whoop a trick.  Go, Barbie, go!  It takes a special lady to knock Ms. Palin.  Or just one who is going to die sooner rather than later.  *shrug*

[Buzzfeed]