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I attended the impromptu Times Square Rally outside of the Armed Forces Recruiting Station in support of Lt. Dan Choi and Captain Jim Pietrangelo who were arrested yesterday in DC during a protest against the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. Natasha Dillon, Sergio Llanos, and Iana Dibona of the group, Queer Rising, tried repeatedly to enter the recruitment office to “enlist” as openly gay Americans but they were repeatedly rebuffed and denied entry into the building. This led to loud chants of “We’re Out. Let Us In” from the protesters. Gilbert Baker, the creator of the Rainbow Flag was there and unveiled a new flag that strongly resembled the banner for the HRC (The Human Rights Campaign) except that Baker’s version had a line crossing through the equal symbol (which seemed to make his view of HRC’s advocacy perfectly clear). I also had a quick interview with longtime gay news reporter Andy Humm about some of my own experiences as a gay soldier in the U.S. Army. And Oscar nominated art-director, Charley Beal (Milk), was also in attendance as well as gay rights advocate Wayne Besen.
Metro Weekly has reported that Dan Choi and Jim Pietrangelo were charged this morning and released After pleading not guilty.Reportedly both men were brought in wearing cuffs and leg irons.
