Join us for the first installation in our two-part series on Women and War in partnership with Goodman Theatre.. These intimate discussions are designed to bring people from all walks of life together to discuss current events and contemporary issues. 

This conversation explores military life post-DADT for women and features Tracy Baim, publisher of Windy City Times and author of  “The Half Life of Sgt. Jean Hunter,”  Jean Albright, 20-year Air Force veteran and board member of AVER (American Veterans for Equal Rights), and Emily Siefken, US Navy.

For more information about the second part in this series, click here.

From "2 women share 1st kiss at US Navy ship's return" by Brock Vergakis

A Navy tradition caught up with the repeal of the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" rule on Wednesday when two women sailors became the first to share the coveted "first kiss" on the dock after one of them returned from 80 days at sea. Petty Officer 2nd Class Marissa Gaeta of Placerville, Calif., descended from the USS Oak Hill amphibious landing ship and shared a quick kiss with her partner, Petty Officer 3rd Class Citlalic Snell of Los Angeles. The crowd screamed and waved flags around them. Navy officials said it was the first time on record that a same-sex couple was chosen to kiss first upon a ship's return. Sailors and their loved ones bought $1 raffle tickets for the opportunity. Gaeta said she bought $50 of tickets. The Navy said the money would be used to host a Christmas party for the children of sailors.

Questions for Consideration

What does the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" signify for the LGBT community? What is the significance of the repeal for gays and lesbians in the service? What role should the military play to ensure that soldiers don't face discrimination based on their sexuality? 

Want to learn more? 

• DADT Repeal Under Fire? In Defense of the Repeal Against the Queer Critique
• On Marines, equality, and my date to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball
• Why I Can't Celebrate the End of Don't Ask, Don't Tell
• Women in Combat- The Next "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"?
• DADT Repealed, But Not Before Interrupting These Women's Careers