Gay Military Family at the White House Easter Egg Roll: PHOTO

Via Outserve-SLDN's Facebook page:

Army Captain Zachary Evans-Nethers and his husband Marshall Evans-Nethers and their kids at today's White House Easter Egg Roll.

Writes the group: "Excited to see Outserve - SLDN members and families at today's Easter Egg Roll at The White House!"

Activists Arrested in White House 'DADT' Protest Reunited This Morning in Support of Lt. Dan Choi: PHOTO

(image robin mcgehee facebook)

Powerful pictures from in front of the White House this morning as the 13 activists arrested on November 15, 2010 after chaining themselves to the White House fence in opposition of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' reunited in support of Lt. Dan Choi, who faces a judge this morning.

As I mentioned earlier this week, Choi faces 6 months in prison or a $5,000 fine for an obscure infraction of Parks and Wildlife federal regulations. The 12 other activists accepted a plea deal, agreeing to a guilty plea in federal court for which they would serve no jail time if not re-arrested within four months. Choi would not accept the deal.

Lt. Dan Choi, Cpl. Evelyn Thomas, Cadet Mara Boyd, Michael Bedwell, Scott Wooledge, Staff Sgt. Miriam Ben-Shalom, Sgt. Ian Finkenbinder, Robin McGehee, and Spc. Robert Smith are the 'White House 13' members pictured in these photos, posted to Facebook by McGehee, along with additional supporters. They then marched to an 8 am rally in front of the courthouse

Said Thomas when asked why she chose to attend Choi's trial, via press release:

"Dan is an honorable combat veteran who, when our nation came calling, stood the ground for many Americans, and not once did he ask them what was their ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation. I truly believe that he knows and practices that all humans are of value, and that all humans are made in the image of God. As a minister for the Century Project Veterans, I stand behind him as a person of God knowing that he exemplifies the true meaning of 'Love Thy Neighbor.'"

Lt. Dan Choi's Trial to Resume; 'DADT' Activist Could Get 6 Months Jail for Peaceful White House Protest: VIDEO

Lt. Dan Choi's trial, which began in August 2011 for protesting "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" with 12 other activists on November 14, 2010, resumes on Thursday in federal court in Washington D.C.

Choi and the others chained themselves to the White House fence while chanting "I am somebody," "We do this for you" and "President Obama, Silent Homophobia."

Choi faces 6 months in prison or a $5,000 fine for an obscure infraction of Parks and Wildlife federal regulations. The 12 other activists accepted a plea deal, agreeing to a guilty plea in federal court for which they would serve no jail time if not re-arrested within four months. Choi would not accept the deal.

British activist Peter Tatchell is coming to Washington D.C. in support of Choi, attending the trial as a human rights observer.

Said Tatchell in a press release:

Generally, White House protestors are arrested and required to pay $100 fine to a municipal court, the equivalent of a parking ticket in the District of Columbia. Instead, in this case, the US Attorney’s Office is invoking a seldom-used federal level criminal charge called "Failure to Obey".

Choi’s case is the first time since anti-Iraq war protester Cindy Sheehan was prosecuted, that a protestor has been tried federally for demonstrating at the White House. 

The trial Judge, John M. Facciola, has already made a prima facie finding for "vindictive prosecution" in Lt. Choi’s case, prompting the prosecution to make legal history by pausing the trial for two years and embroiling Lt. Choi in a Writ of Mandamus fight.

Until this trial, such a radical and rarely used writ has never been granted in the middle of criminal proceedings. The writ orders the trial judge not to hear evidence concerning the selective prosecution and political targeting of the defendant.

Activists and supporters are planning peaceful actions in support of Choi on Thursday morning beginning with a meditation and interfaith prayer at 8 am and a speaking rally. Organizers report that several civil rights leaders will be on hand to voice support for Choi's efforts. The trial resumes at 9 am. Those wishing to support Choi should gather at:

United States District Court 
E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse 
333 Constitution Avenue, NW

You can also find out how to get involved to support Choi at the website DADTprotest.com.

Choi talks about where he is in his case with Adam Kokesh, AFTER THE JUMP...

A Gay Naval Petty Officer Comes Out: VIDEO

I was just introduced to this clip of Kevin Gillespie coming out of the closet, which he posted at the end of January, and it's about 20 minutes long, but it's a powerful look at the struggles, process, and relief felt by gay people (and in Gillespie's case, gay service members) who decide to come out.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

And congrats and thanks for your service, Kevin.

(and to the readers, apologies for earlier gaffes on his rank)

Let's Watch Two Gay Marines Talk About Falling in Love and Go on a Nut-Gobbling Adventure: VIDEO

Meet Russ, my favorite gay Marine, and Matt, his favorite gay Marine. Russ is a vlogger who expounds on a variety of topics, but in recent days we've been introduced to Matt, who he met in a Starbucks. In their latest video, they talk about how they met, and answer some questions, and go on a nut-gobbling adventure.

Anyway, let's just all celebrate the fact that Marines can do this kind of thing these days, in public, on YouTube, and suffer no consequences. If you're having a bad day, these two will surely brighten it.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #1320

TEGAN AND SARA: "All Messed Up".

HOMO ECONOMICS: A new approach to...something...

RESEARCH CHIMPS: Going outside for the first time, touching the ground, seeing the sky.

PERSPECTIVE: What it's like being aircrew on a KC-130J.

 

For recent Guides to the Tube, click HERE.