Sick of the ageism

In reference to last week’s Chicago Free Press editorial (CFP Aug. 1), being someone under 21 in the GLBT community, it hurts to be excluded from almost everything. We are in a community that revolves around bars and club scenes, furthering the image of gay life as only existing in these dim lights and smoky (but not for long) rooms. You wrote another editorial similar to this, citing New York City, more specifically the Village, and youth of color. Recently a friend paid a visit to NYC and noticed that youth of color had found a space—the pier. They’ve turned it into a vogueing spot, capitalizing on the popular “ball scene” that attracts so many of youth of color. Why can't Lakeview have something like that?

I’d like to point out that one of your suggestions falls on deaf ears. You suggested Equality Illinois and the possibility of holding political forums and the like with youth. I’d like to point out that Equality Illinois hosts most of their events at Sidetrack—a venue that is owned by one of their board members. Their most recent event, the viewing party of the Presidential Forum on GLBT Issues, is no different than the rest—21+ with ID. With a phone call I was simply dismissed as someone under 21. Do they not know that people who come of age in a time of great political discourse are more likely to vote? Even more important, GLBT people are more likely to vote. So what about the combined demographic of GLBT people coming of age in a time of so much importance? They are left in the cold (or in summers like this, left in the heat!) This will be my first presidential election and I plan on voting. I am fortunate that I have cable and can watch it in the comfort of my own home. What about the other 18- to 20-year-olds, though, still not out and wanting to be informed? What about these youth on the streets that you speak of?

There is so much potential in this community and in each of us. The problem lies in tapping into the potential and making something happen. Actions speak louder than words.

Jared Fox

Chicago

On ‘Don’t ask, Don’t tell’

This morning (Aug. 6) brought welcome news about the growing momentum in Congress to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” We are excited to announce five new allies for repeal in the House of Representatives, including the highest-ranking veteran in Congress. Representatives Michael A. Arcuri (D-N.Y.), Brian Baird (D-Wash.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Joe Sestak (D-Pa.) and Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) all became co-sponsors of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1246) Aug. 3, bringing the total number of supporters to 131. Sestak is Congress’s highest-ranking veteran, having served 31 years in the United States Navy and retiring as a three-star Admiral.

Change is happening, and with your support, we are closer than ever to ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Writing in this morning’s Detroit News, columnist Deb Price notes, “The Pentagon is no longer frozen solid in angry opposition to lifting the ban on gays serving openly in the military.” Rep. Susan Davis (D-Calif.), chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, told Price that she intends to hold hearings on the issue. “Absolutely, I think the series of hearings would build the case,” for lifting the ban, Davis said. “I’ve not been impressed that [lifting] it is something that would hamper readiness, retention [or] recruitment.”

Citing questions raised last week during both House and Senate hearings, Price also says that “Gone were the hysterical, Chicken Little-ish ‘the sky will fall’ warnings that ending ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ would destroy military morale and unit cohesion.”

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network continues to work everyday to build support for repeal. With your help, we are making real progress in the fight to lift the ban. And your continued support helps ensure our inevitable victory. You can log on today and send a message urging your Member of Congress to support repeal. Together we can continue to build momentum for ending discrimination in our armed forces.

Steve Ralls

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network