Obama's Pledge to GLBT

[MelissaMaven]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned this yet (http://gawker.com/5378877/breaking-obama-pledges-to-end-militarys-dont-ask-dont-tell-policy). I know, politics are bad to discuss, etc, but I thought some folks might be curious of what he had to say at least.

Personally I think it's all very heartwarming to hear such things from the president, especially since he's certainly good at speaking and encouraging an audience. But unfortunately I don't think there's anything the government can truly do to prevent the kinds of bigotry in society that he mentioned. Especially so when the anti-gay notion has been so deeply implanted into the general religious community. I lost a job once due to being transgender, for example, and yet there's really not a lot one can do to prove such a thing. Kind of like when a black family is denied buying/renting a home and whatnot. It's your word against theirs, and when you already live in an area where that sort of sentiment is prevalent, you tend to take up the "why bother" attitude in terms of trying to fight it. You can change the law, but you can't change people.

But, I applaud Obama on his attempts, which will surely be beneficial in the long run. It'll just take society a lot longer to adjust, unfortunately.


(By the way, I'm not making a swipe at religion with my comment, but just pointing out the obvious connection between it and anti-gay sentiment, since the religious community is quite large and obviously an important factor.)

[Donkey_burger]

Don't ask, don't tell doesn't really work. People will still come out or not, and suffer either way.

I don't see where Obama has really attempted to end this, though?

DB :bipride:

[izzfan]

I read about this earlier today on BBC News, sorry that I didn't post anything about it. Its great that the US military is finally entering the 21st century in terms of acceptance. I might not agree with all the wars they are fighting (the fault of politicans rather than the ordinary serviceman/woman) but if people who are bi, gay, lesbian etc... want to sign up for the military then that is their choice and they shouldn't be turned away just because of who they feel attracted to. It has no relavence to how well they do their job.



Don't ask, don't tell doesn't really work. People will still come out or not, and suffer either way.

I don't see where Obama has really attempted to end this, though?

DB :bipride:

Good point, Obama hasn't really done anything yet although it is a good sign that he has promised to end DADT, compared to Bush (who was the one who started the wars and who was a firm supporter of DADT) Obama is certainly making progress. Let's hope that this isn't just an empty promise.

There will probably still be prejudice against BTLG people in the US Army but without the shadow of dismissal hanging over them, BTLG people will be able to fight this prejudice more openly.

In Britain, we let BTLG people serve openly in the armed forces since about 1999/2000 and there has been no collapse of the military (as some of the scaremongering conservatives in the US argue would happen if they repealed their outdated policies). Any army/navy/air force relies on good soldiers not whether their soldiers happen to fancy the opposite sex, the same sex or both.

[locotom]

it doesnt matter whatever, in england we have had positive discrimination for many years now its got to the state where councils and local government agencies are so frightened of the race card i.e( you just said that cos im black) never mind questions about gender that there is even less equality in england than ever p.s i am not nor consider myself to be
a racist by any means

[TaylorMade]

Don't ask, don't tell doesn't really work. People will still come out or not, and suffer either way.

I don't see where Obama has really attempted to end this, though?

DB :bipride:

I don't think he will. He had an opportunity when his political capital was stronger and he actually came out AGAINST Same sex marriage ( I posted a topic on this earlier (http://main.bisexual.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7328)) instead.

Notice he hasn't made promises about that, has he?

I think he's just telling the LBGT community what they wanna hear and hoping that having a D after his name will do the rest.

Then again, I am biased and didn't vote for him.

*Taylor*

[csreef]

The only time a politician will not lie to you is when his lips aren't moving, or when they're being led away in handcuffs...

[SaraSaurus]

I don't think we'll see all the changes we're hoping for in the next few years but we are heading in the right direction. I read this article in the New York Times on friday: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/09/us/politics/09hate.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=Anti-gay%20hate%20crimes&st=Search

[Falke]

I don't think he will. He had an opportunity when his political capital was stronger and he actually came out AGAINST Same sex marriage ( I posted a topic on this earlier (http://main.bisexual.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7328)) instead.

Notice he hasn't made promises about that, has he?

I think he's just telling the LBGT community what they wanna hear and hoping that having a D after his name will do the rest.

Then again, I am biased and didn't vote for him.

*Taylor*

That sums up my thoughts. The LBGT community, as well as many other groups, have been used as political pawns in a game to get and maintain power.

[Long Duck Dong]

lets look at the opposite side of the coin, shall we ?

At least four Australian sailors are under investigation after being accused of running a contest on the number of female colleagues they could seduce.

The four men were sent home from exercises in Southeast Asia after the discovery of a book recording the sailors' successes by the captain of HMAS Success.

Channel Seven in Australia reported that the men had challenged each other to have sex with as many female crewmates as possible.

They were awarded dollar values for each success, and bonuses for sleeping with officers or lesbians.

Bonuses were also awarded for having sex in particular locations, such as the ship's pool table.

But the challenge came to an end when it was uncovered by checks under the navy's equity and diversity health programme.

The programme is part of the defence force campaign against abuse and discrimination, and to boost recruitment of women and Aborigines.

Navy Chief Vice-Admiral Russ Crane said sailors were briefed regularly on appropriate behaviour, and that behaviour such as that alleged would not be tolerated.

As soon as the allegations were known the sailors were immediately removed from the Success and officers of the independent Australian Defence Force Investigative Service were brought in.

"The navy stands by its values and will act swiftly and decisively to address allegations of unacceptable behaviour," Admiral Crane said.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard said women should be able to enjoy a full and rewarding career in the Defence Force, and a full investigation of the allegations was needed.

"We don't want to see anything that precludes women from having a good career in our armed forces," she said.

Australia's Defence Force has been hit by a several scandals, including cases of sexual abuse on navy ships.

About 19 per cent of the Navy is female.

Between 2005 and 2007, more than 100 official investigations were made into sexual offences and harassment in the navy, Fairfax newspapers reported

how about this one.....................................

As a 23-year-old naval rating prepares to serve a 90 day prison sentence, the Navy has promised it will continue to crack down hard on improper behaviour.

The sailor pleaded guilty to charges of common and sexual assault on nine male ship mates from his mess aboard the Canterbury.

"Inappropriate behaviour is not tolerated in the Navy and the Navy will use all avenues to stamp it out," Captain Pat Williams said.

The stern message came after Able Chef David Starnes got his marching orders at a court martial on Friday night.

Starnes is due to go to a civilian jail to serve his sentence before being dismissed. His lawyer says Starnes is prepared to face up to the consequences and has taken responsibility for his actions.

Major Bruce Stainton says Starnes has already taken steps to address his drinking problem.

Nine young male ratings he had admitted to assaulting were at the court martial to hear his apology.

The court had heard evidence of sexual groping and kissing, but character witnesses for Starnes indicated that type of behaviour in the mess, usually after drinking, was the norm rather than the exception.

"I don't accept that that sort of behaviour is normal. I think the Navy has extremely strong policies and we're very clear about those policies.

"Sure, occasionally, living in close proximity there's a bit of hijinks but when it crosses over the lines and offences that affect the lives of other people and their mess-mates, it's not good enough for our navy," Williams said.

There are 700 anti-harassment advisers for the 13,000 employees in all three services.

In the past two years, officers have completed investigations against a number of defence staff for sexual harassment.