Live Q&As

It is our undertsnaing that once the implementation process is completed, there will be a way for those who had been previously discharged re-join the military. I am 100% committed to returning to the service.

Gays and lesbians have been serving in the military since its inception, and we have no clear idea what ranks they have achieved. Once gay and lesbian individuals are allowed to serve openly we would expect that service members be promoted based on merit, but taking into consideration that the glass ceiling exists in all sectors still today.

Despite the signature, this is still law until the next steps are complete. The next step is certification of repeal by the President and the Chairman of the Joint Cheifs, as well as Sec. Defense Gates. They must certify that DADT will not have a negative effect on the military. After certification there is a 60 day waiting period after which DADT will be fully repealed and no longer on the books. As of today though, even with the signature, servicemembers are still at risk and can still be fired. Our web site below: http://SLDN.org/stillatrisk

Based on my experience, it was neither. There was mutual respect among my comrades, and there were a couple of them that knew that I was gay. In regards to women in the military facing harassment, SLDN has dealt with cases in which women who have turned down advances from male service members have then been accused of being lesbians. In regards to straight women who have been victims, we don't have hard numbers, but it has been the case in a few instances.

I think that many will. I have met many individuals who were simply waiting for this day to come.

No, I never acted on an attraction to a fellow service member. Keep in mind, I went through training just like my counter parts, and was pursuing an officer contract. I understand professionalism just like the individuals I served with. I never caused any problems, and many like myself were simply discharged because being openly gay in the military was against the DADT policy.

I think your assumption is incorrect: Marines come from all over the country, not just small, conservative, towns. Just like the rest of the military, the Marines will obey their orders and carry on with the mission. I have full faith that the Marine Corps will be able to implement this swiftly and effectively.

The President's leadership was essential to getting this done. His strategy was a succesful one, and it was exciting to see him fulfill his promise today.

There are thousands of stories like yours where the military lost essential men and women simply because of who they were. Thank you for your service.

I think the story of USAF Mike Almy's discharge is the perfect example of how his separation from the military negatively impacted his unit once they returned from Iraq. There are many more examples like this. When a command loses someone who is critical to the mission, it is never a good thing.

I think his example was an extreme one, and he has said now that he will make sure that repeal is effectively implemented. I respect him as a leader of the Marine Corps and have full faith that he will help the Marines lead the way throughout this process.

The 2010 discharge numbers from the military will not be available until next year. It was widely reported that there were no discharges in November, however our legal hotline are still receiving calls from service members as they still continue to be at risk.

President Obama has exhibited leadership in many ways, both publicly and privately. The bottom line is that the bill is signed and we can now move forward. DADT is on it's way out.

I'm not White House personnel, so I am unsure about the commitment to other issues. Working with SLDN, we know he has been clear since the beginning that he wanted to repeal DADT and he kept his promise.

Repealing DADT does not require gay and lesbian service members to come out. It depends on their unit and how comfortable they are with disclosing that information, just as individuals outside of the military do.

The investigations because of DADT related cases will not stop immediately. After the 60 days following the certification, then will prosecutions stop. Unless the President says otherwise, until that point, service members are still at risk.

And, thank you!

I was out to two individuals who I trusted. There wasn't an issue until someone else told my chain of command. It isn't that I chose to completely ignore the law, but please understand dealing with personal issues and having virutally no one to talk to, confide in, etc. The feeling of isolation is miserable, and you take the risk simply so you can get by.

I think so. ROTC programs, especially at America's elite schools, are going to be of huge benefit to our armed forces.

You're right. It's hard to understand from this side. Those arguments undermine the professionalism and leadership that clearly exists in our military.

No, once the discharge process is complete, the military's investigation is over. During the discharge process, the investigation can look into the service members private life or anything else that might be relevant.

Yes, there will be an increase from individuals who want to serve, but did not want to under DADT. Whether that is a huge increase is still to be forseen...

Thank you for your support. Gay and lesbian servicemembers have been serving for a long time. Now, we can finally honor their service.

Gays are already serving in combat arms postions without disruption. Allowing them to be open about who they are will not change that. Mission completion is top priority, always.

Leadership is of utmost importance. Training, education, and moving forward. Personally, I don't feel like the military owes me an apology or to take back the negativity. It's unfortunate, what happened, but my focus now is on serving this country again.

Openly gay means being able to tell people how you identify instead of having to lie. Being a straight male doesn't mean they are all sexually active or attempting to be sexually active.

It's hard to tell. We were not appreciate of the political games that were played throughout the process, but we are obviously very happy about the outcome. It was essential to have R votes, and we are grateful for those who did the right thing.

Someone reported me. Who? - I have no idea. But when I went into my 1st Sergeants office he had written statements and enough "credible evidence" to proceed with the dishcharge. I got a lawyer soon thereafter.

For the same reasons and arguments we have heard before: we are in two wars and it will hurt unit cohesion. The study has proved otherwise but it has been hard for a group of GOP Senators to let that go.

I do agree. Among the best and brightest are those who attend Ivy League schools - why not have those men and women leading our nation's military? This repeal will strengthen our armed forces in that way too.

For everyone it is different, and most people receive an Honorable. I received two different types of dischargesas a mistake. I won't get into it because my case is still open.

I enlisted because I wanted to serve and I wanted to be able to call myself a Marine. I can do that today. Do it because you want to live that lifestyle and serve. It's an honor that not many have. With due time, this will have been a thing of the past and you and I can both proudly call ourselves Marines.

No, I did not.

I think assuming DADT repeal will push us to a draft as unrealistic. As time goes on, more people will serve openly and their counterparts with hesitation will realize that this is a non-issue. There is no place for homophobes in society, and the military will soon follow suit. 

Agreed. I have full faith in the leadership of our military. I hope others do as well.

Not that I know of...

Agreed. Wholeheartedly.

Honestly, there are many who are very aware but I imagine most of the younger generation of gay and straight troops do not recognize the names. Hopefully, they soon will!

When I heard that argument on the Senate floor, I also did not understand it. We are always going to be engaged in protecting America - why not have all the bodies who are capable in helping carry out that mission.

It's unclear, but we (SLDN) will be working closely with groups helping implementation to achieve justice in all ways possible. This also includes court cases outside of DADT repeal implementation.