Episode 9 – “The ‘Schmootz on Capt. Joan Darrah, US Navy, Retired and Lynne Kennedy”
October 14, 2010 by admin
Filed under Podcasts, The 'Schmootz on, What's Featured
Photo By Jo Ann Santangelo
In light of the recent ruling regarding the unconstitutionality of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, the military’s ban on gays serving openly in the military, I was honored to sit down and chat with retired Navy Captain, Joan Darrah and her partner of over 20 years, Lynne Kennedy. Joan had an illustrious 30 year career as a Navy intelligence officer, but with her extremely high security clearance, came the personally classified nature of her sexuality. As a result of DADT, and the things you do for love, Joan and Lynne both served their country in a mandated silence.
The events of September 11, 2001, brought a realization that personal truth and the commitment to family are far too important to keep quiet. Captain Dannah began early retirement proceedings and began to serve not only her country, but her community. As an advocate of SLDN, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Captain Darrah testified before Congress to the adverse affects on military readiness of their compromise legislation of 1993, DADT.
Photo from Advocate.com
Joan and Lynne continue to speak out in these uncertain days after Judge Phillips decision. With the Washington Post reporting that an appeal is pending from President Obama’s Department of Justice, military members are advised to be cautiously optimistic…but not open and truthful, yet. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network - National organization devoted to assisting those affected by “don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t pursue.”
Joan’s testimony before Congress
Write your Senator in support of the repeal.
Great pod ‘Schmootz and so important. Retired Navy Captain Joan Darrah and her partner Lynne are truly inspirational. As a lesbian Army veteran who served before and during DADT I am grateful that Joan continues to serve along with Lynne by pursuing the much needed and well overdue repeal of DADT.
Thank you “Mind” for that excellent interview, as a retired Air Force lesbian i too remember DADT being handed down by the Clinton Administration. Keep up the good work ladies! you too mind. L
Great podcast as usual. You know, if they had waited until everybody was ok with it, there still might not been soldiers with different ethnics in the US military and for sure no women. But times go by and even though it takes a really long time, society will change. So sooner or later, different ethnics, sex or sexuality would be accepted by the majority.
A perfect example: you know, why Switzerland was one of the lastest countries in Europe to admit the womens right to vote? Because in Switzerland every change of the constitution has to been approved by the voters. So while in Germany, women could vote since 1918, in Turkey since 1934 and Afghanistan 1964, in Switzerland the womens right to vote was finally granted from the o so gracious men in ….1971. Time changes things, people changes and the only question is how long will it take and what will i cost ’til there will be equality for all kind of human beeings.