"On this day, September 20, 2011, the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus stands proud in support of President Obama, as he keeps his promise and officially repeals the discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military policy. 

 For over a decade, gay and lesbian American Heroes have been forced to deny who they are and who they love, to serve the country they love.  DADT has excluded so many proud Americans from authentically serving our country.

The Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue policy was enacted in 1993. At that time, extreme harassment and violence had been reported against gay and lesbian military personnel. DADT officially prohibited such behavior, but American Heroes have continued to be discriminated against. As of today, that discrimination is over!

While we celebrate this tremendous milestone in our journey toward full equality, we must be mindful that we still have a long way to go. Repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell is a huge step in this direction, but it still does not include protections for our transgender brothers and sisters. We ask that our members and friends take a moment to realize that full equality for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community is only achieved when the same rights, protections, and benefits are extended to all Americans regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."