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Philip Deal speaks to a crowd of DADT protesters at Town Center. Photo: Kimberley Green
“Gay Rights Now! Gay Rights Now! Gay Rights Now!” Delaina Hall, of GLBTLive, led the protesters in a chant for the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy at a Virginia Beach Town Center rally on August 15, 2009. The rally drew nearly 100 people, all with one mission in mind: Equality for all United States military service people. After Hall hyped up the crowd, Philip Deal took to the microphone and made the message clear to all: “President Barack Obama, repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ now, not later!” Deal went on to say, “My gay and lesbian and transgendered brothers and sisters, you are not a free people in this country.” He points out that while heterosexuals can openly express their love for each other publicly, homosexuals cannot even hold hands in a grocery store without fear of the public’s reaction. Deal reveals the oppression and shame that the general public puts on the gay community, and he is tired of it!
Mike Brazell recites an original poem to the crowd. Photo: Kimberley Green
The next speaker was Mike Brazell, a former military serviceman, who elaborated on the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Brazell states that this policy is not only discriminatory, but is detrimental to national security: “In a time we’re still engaged in war, we’re still fighting battles; we’re kicking out critical service members who speak Arabic, who speak Farsi, for choosing to love.” He, too, feels that the most effective way to ignite change is to stand up and speak. His speech was insightful and moving, and was an important part of the rally as a whole.
Narissa Bond performs for listeners as they protest DADT. Photo: Kimberley Green
Following Mike Brazell was acoustic performer Narissa Bond, who performed songs of hope and love to the crowd of protesters. Her smooth riffs and soulful voice created an aura of peace throughout the crowd, as listeners swayed from side to side, some holding hands. Her songs promoted love and change, the things that gay people all over the country long for day after day.
To bring the rally to a close, Philip Deal spoke once again to the crowd that GLBTLive brought to Town Center in a matter of three weeks; a crowd that, although modest in numbers, was just as loud and proud as Deal himself. He touched on Bob McDonnell, marriage policies, and other gay rights initiatives, before announcing that the rally would end with dancing, eating, and friendship. As the music played, protesters mingled and a few danced. It was a peaceful ending to a successful rally.
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