Exactly one year ago today I had the great honor of speaking at Virginia Tech as an invited guest of the LGBT student organization there. It was one of the great thrills of my life, and the students loved it. Just a few days later, I found myself on the front gates of the White House calling for DADT repeal legislation to be passed. Just a month later, we got it.

I’m launching a piece on CNN.com tomorrow that I’m very proud of, and in it I go into a lot of different reasons why this repeal simply isn’t enough. I know there are some who would like LGBT activists to be happy with what we have and just shut up, but I know that I cannot.

One of the things that I’m fond of saying in my lectures is that once you find your voice, it’s hard to shut up. The LGBT veterans’ movement has found its voice, and we’re not stopping until we achieve full equality in the Armed Forces, and by extension this wonderful country that we’ve put our lives on the line to serve.

I love America, but will always refuse to shut up when I see injustice or feel like I’ve been a victim of it. Indeed, that’s what this great country is all about.

P.S., all of you New Yorkers head out to the LGBT Center’s Veterans’ Day reception on 11/11 @ 6PM. I think I’m briefly scheduled to speak, and I hope to use the opportunity to help build awareness about the fact that DADT repeal needs to be seen as the first step, and not the last.

Until next time!

Rob