D.C. to celebrate ‘Don’t Ask’ repeal

Groups that worked to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” are hosting a variety of events in D.C. in the coming days to commemorate the lifting of the gay ban.

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network is inviting guests to participate in a celebration on Tuesday at K Street Lounge, 1301 K St., N.W. The event will take place from 6-10 p.m. The suggested donation is $20.

Notable figures who will appear at the dinner include Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and Rep. Adam Smith, ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. Openly gay members of Congress who are slated to attend are Reps. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), who recently announced a bid for U.S. Senate. Air Force Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, who faced discharge under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and former Air Force Maj. Mike Almy are also set to attend.

Also on Tuesday, the Log Cabin Republicans hosts its annual “Spirit of Lincoln” dinner, which will have a special emphasis on the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The event will take place from 6:45-8:45 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency, 400 New Jersey Ave., N.W.

Two Republican U.S. senators who voted for repeal — Susan Collins of Maine and Scott Brown of Massachusetts — will be present. Also scheduled to appear are Reps. Richard Hanna and Nan Hayworth, freshman Republicans who last year campaigned in opposition to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Ill.), who also voted for repeal, is another speaker.

On Monday, Servicemembers United is hosting the “Countdown to Repeal Party” on the eve of the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The event will take place at Town nightclub (2009 8th St., N.W.) from 9 p.m. to midnight. The group emphasizes the celebration isn’t a fundraiser and there’s no suggested donation.

Additionally, LGBT groups in Virginia are hosting their own celebration to observe the end of the military’s gay ban. The Arlington Gay Lesbian Alliance, the Arlington Democrats and the Arlington Greens are hosting a karaoke event at Freddie’s Beach Bar, called “Yes We Did! Karaoke — A Celebration of the Repeal of DADT.” The bar is located at 555 23rd St. South in Arlington, Va. The event, which is free, will take place from 8-11 p.m.