Rainbow flag representing gay rights in the United States - Photo Pride Flags
Even with Lady Gaga rallying support, the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy repeal still failed key Senate votes. The policy allows gay, lesbian and bi-sexual men and women to serve in the United States military as long as they do not participate in homosexual acts or disclose their sexual orientation.
On Monday, Pop sensation Lady Gaga touched down in Maine issuing a call for repeal of the policy. Although famous for her outlandish costumes, she wore none. There were no limelights or pyrotechnics, simply Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta.
After exiting her tour bus, she took to the tiny stage with a big message. She spoke to a crowed of more than 2,000 at Deering Oaks Park. The crowd consisted of children, teenagers, college students as well as parents. Lady Gaga has adopted Gay rights as her personal mission.
In preparation of the vote held on Tuesday supporters of the repeal identified Maine as the repeal’s ultimate battleground. Chiefly because Maine Senators Susan Collins and Olympia J. Snow, both Republicans publicly acknowledged their indecisive stance on the repeal.
During her address to the crowd, Lady Gaga spoke passionately about the disparities related to sexual orientation. She said, “Equality is the prime rib of America, but because I am gay, I don’t get to enjoy the greatest cut of meat my country has to offer.”
In reference to the dress she modeled at the MTV Video Music Awards that was made of cuts of beef, she also said, “Shouldn’t everyone deserve to wear the same meat dress I do?” In attendance with her at the awards show were four service members discharged because of the sexual orientation.
The repeal failed to get the 60 votes needed in order to pass. Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader said he is planning to push for re-evaluation of the legislation later this year.