DADT repeal celebrations underway

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Gays and lesbians are now free to serve openly in the military, making September 20 a day many thought would never come.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta believes the repeal will improve America's fighting forces.

"Thanks to this change, I believe we move closer to achieving the goal at the foundation of the values that America is all about: Equality, equal opportunity, and dignity for all Americans," Panetta said.

But on WAVY's Facebook page one sailor wrote she is worried, "people are going to focus on this instead of the task at hand and that is to defend this country."

Critics worry the appeal will break morale. divide units and drive some troops out of the military.

Despite the critics, Equality Virginia hosted a celebration of the repeal at Waterside in Norfolk Tuesday night.

"To know that it's finally over is great," said former Navy officer Tracy Thorne-Begland. "Soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines can now serve their country with dignity, integrity and pride. It means a lot."

An estimated 14,000 servicemen and woman, including Thorne-Begland, were discharged for disclosing their sexual orientation in the past. Under the repeal they can now re-enlist.

Before he was discharged, Thorne-Begland was a fighter pilot at Oceana, but was discharged 20 years ago when he went on national TV and revealed he was gay.

"It comes as a real price when you have to live a double life," Thorne-Begland added. "You can't be honest about who you are."

That price has now turned into pride and Thorne-Begland and many others know the repeal is only a start.

"There's still going to be homophobia," Steve Crowston, who is in the Navy said. "There are still going to be bigots. There are still going to be people who judge you now that you can declare who you are."

But for now servicemembers like Army Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan, who once served in silence, can now finally share family photos.

"I have a four year old daughter but I also have a same sex spouse. We have a civil union of almost 11 years and I have not been able to share my family," Morgan said.

One of the most dramatic declarations following today's appeal is a YouTube video featuring a U.S. soldier calling his father in Alabama to tell him for the first time that he is gay. See the video in its entirety at the bottom of this page.

Former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine released this statement on the policy's repeal:

" This repeal doesn't give any special rights or privileges to gay service members, it merely gives them what they asked for and deserved all along: to be treated the same as everyone else. Equality is a founding principle of this nation and the ability to serve one's country should never be conditioned on sexual orientation, gender, race, religious belief or any other characteristic. I am proud that my first act as Governor protected state employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation and I am just as proud to support today's DADT repeal."