Johnny Symons’ new documentary “Ask Not” explores the history of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell through the personal stories of those who have been victims of the policy. In a statement from the Symons:

My hope is that ASK NOT will deepen awareness, cultivate lively debate and mobilize more public action against this archaic policy. With an estimated 65,000 LGBT people currently in the military, it is essential that, as Americans, we ask ourselves if “don’t ask, don’t tell” serves our collective interests and values: from national security to human rights, from economic stability to upholding the principles of the Constitution. Until the government allows gays, lesbians and bisexuals to serve the country openly, the very notion of American citizenship is threatened, just as it would be if any other group were singled out, excluded and punished on the basis of who they are, not what they do. Our military fights for those types of democratic rights in other nations every day. We should demand no less at home.

Watch the trailer for ASK NOT below:

The documentary will be airing on PBS on June 16 as a part of Independent Lens series. In advance of the airing the film will also be screening in the following cities:

Auckland, New Zealand – May 19
San Francisco, CA – May 19 (Community Cinema)*
San Rafael, CA – May 19 (Community Cinema)*
Austin, TX – May 19 (Community Cinema)
Nashville, TN – May 20 (Community Cinema)
Evansville, IN – May 20 (Community Cinema)
Director Johnny Symons in attendance.
Boston, MA – May 21 (Community Cinema)*
Out Takes, Auckland, New Zealand – May 21-31
Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Hartford, CT – May 23
Indianapolis, IN – May 24 (Community Cinema)
Charleston, SC – May 26 (Community Cinema)
West Hollywood, CA – May 26 (Community Cinema)
Oakland, CA – May 27 (Community Cinema)*
Lafayette, LA – May 27
Denver, CO – May 27 (Community Cinema)
Out Takes, Wellington, New Zealand – May 28-June 7
Portland, OR – May 29 (Community Cinema)
Birmingham SHOUT, Birmingham, AL – May 29-30
Washington, DC – May 31**
Out Takes, Christchurch, New Zealand – June 4-10
Damn These Heels! LGBT Film Festival, Salt Lake City, UT – June 11-14
El Paso, TX — June 18-21

* – Director Johnny Symons in attendance.
** – Film subjects Alex Nicholson and Jarrod Chlapowski in attendance

Brave Denver third grader Ethan McNamee organized a rally this past weekend in support of gay marriage. Ethan decided to make the rally his class project after witnessing gay bullying on the playground and because he thought it was wrong that his lesbians neighbors were not allowed to marry.

Watch:

Even those with a different view offered praise for Ethan’s efforts. Senator Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield in the Denver Post:

“You have to admire his compassion and initiative,” Mitchell said. “I’d like to think that someday he’ll understand the issue is a little more complicated.”

No sir. It’s not complicated at all. The kid gets it. You don’t.

This past Saturday marked Singapore’s first pro-gay rights rally Pink Dot, celebrating equality and the freedom to love for ALL Singaporeans. Drawing a crowd of over a thousand, Pink Dot provided a “platform for individuals, organizations and businesses to identify themselves as advocates of a more inclusive, more loving Singapore.”

From a speaker at the event:

We are born alone. We go to our graves alone. But there is no reason why any of us should have to live alone in this life … I support the freedom to love because I believe in love. Too many of my gay friends have left these shores because of intolerance. Let’s make a change today. My father is here too today to support Pink Dot. He too wants to make a change. Everyone, in the words of the great Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see in the world.“

Watch this touching video from the event…

Also watch the amazing video promoting the event.

You probably didn’t realize it today but May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). Founded in Canada by Foundation Émergence  in 2003, the yearly event advocates social acceptance of homosexuality and fighting homophobia in all it’s forms.

From their website:

An International Day Against Homophobia belongs to no one individual. It’s about all people hoping for a prejudice-free world that can provide a place at the table for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation. Inspired by all world theme-days, the day set aside to fight homophobia needs to be appropriated by all of those actively involved in civil society: gay and lesbian community organizations, those organizations focusing on other types of sexual diversity, unions, employers, private businesses, governments, public administration, professional associations, and all individuals seeking equality.

In an effort to help promote the event, gays.com put out this great video starring LGBT folks from around the globe proclaiming their pride. Watch.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2Rp8ep_ezE[/youtube]

IDAHO unfortunately  has garnered little press here in the United States.