Results tagged “dontaskdonttell”

While we've been busy watching just a few of the many fine films screened at Reeling this year, a mighty lot of gay-centric news has come across our desk. Consider this little round-up a crash course in the past two weeks in the world of LGBT Chicago, headlined by a gay couple that now faces perhaps the most far-reaching denial of equal rights in our modern world: A lifetime ban from Wal-Mart.

Under fire from gay rights group for his lack of action since his inauguration, President Barack Obama pledged yesterday to end the military's controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Of course, such a proclamation came with a caveat that likely will cause the criticism to continue: he set no specific time-table for actually ending the policy. Obama made the announcement yesterday at a fund-raiser for the Human Rights Campaign. Speaking to a crowd of 3,000 at the event, Obama said, "I will end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'; that is my commitment...I'm here with you in that fight." The frustration with Obama's lack of action has led to today's National Equality March (which also marks National Coming Out Day). If you want to join the march, you've still got time: it gets underway at 1 p.m. at Daley Plaza. Just watch out for those marathon stragglers.

President Barack Obama will sign a presidential memorandum today to extend some benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees, but they may not include health or retirement benefits. Some gay rights activists expected Obama to make strides for gay rights this June in honor of Gay Pride Month, but they have been disappointed by the lack of movement.