Locals Celebrate the Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' in Arlington

A large group gathered Tuesday night at Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant in Crystal City to celebrate the official end of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which had been in place for 18 years. 

"Yes We Did! Karaoke — A Celebration of the Repeal of DADT" was hosted by the Arlington Gay Lesbian Alliance, the Arlington Democrats and the Arlington Greens.

In addition to the karaoke, balloons and cakes, there were endless cheers and hugs to celebrate the historical day.

"I think it's a long time overdue. Now if we could just get Virginia to include gay marriage then my boyfriend and I could get married over here in Virginia," said Freddie Lutz, Arlington resident and owner of the beach bar.

He continued: "My dad was Army, so I'm an Army brat myself. I just attended a funeral for a friend of mine over at Arlington (National Cemetery) the other day who was gay, and the priest at the end of the service handed his lover an American flag and said, 'On behalf of the president of the United States, I'd like to express our thanks to your friend's service to our country.' And I thought, 'Wow, I wonder how long they've been doing that?' I didn't know they'd give a flag to the lover of a gay veteran, and that really moved me, just like tonight is really moving me." 

Victor Price was a senior airman in the Air Force stationed at Dover Air Force Base during his time of service. He served as a bioenvironmental engineer. 

"My mom retired sergeant major six years ago from the Army and she encouraged me to join the Air Force, both of us knowing the whole DADT thing, but she also knew the Air Force is very gay-friendly, so she encouraged me to join," Price said.

"It was a great experience (serving in the Air Force), but there were a lot of 'witch hunts' where they were trying to get people kicked out, and it was really sad to see that happen. You had to know how to play the game, which was unfortunate."

Price said people on his base knew he was gay, but he still felt he had to hold up the facade of a straight man. Price married his best girlfriend and moved off base.

"Honestly, for me right now, I would have stayed in the Air Force longer and I would have done my 20 years," he said. "I think the Air Force is great and I think the military is great for helping people with their careers. The benefits are amazing. But it would have been nice to be able to serve my full 20 years and not have to worry about anything."

Price, who was born in North Carolina but spent most of his childhood overseas where his mom was stationed, now lives in Arlington. He found success in his celebrity styling business, Price of Style, V'Mage Concept in 2005. 

"A lot of people didn't want me to join the Air Force because I'm so effeminate, but I mean look at me, I'm not a tiny guy!" Price said, showing off his muscular build and fit physique.

"I beat a lot of straight guys in the physical competitions. Just because I'm effeminate in my personality, doesn't mean I'm not intelligant and extremely physical."

Retired Marine and Army National Guard Delight Simondi expressed how much respect she has for people who had the personal courage to stand up for gay rights in the military over the years, saying that Tuesday was truly a "celebration of equality." 

The Arlington Gay Lesbian Alliance celebration continues Wednesday in Clarendon at from 6 to 8 p.m.

The alliance invites anyone to join them for a night of "celebration, socializing, great food and drinks" on the restaurant's second level.

Wednesday also is half-priced wing night and trivia night at Hard Times, with happy hour ending at 8 p.m.