Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC’s “Hardball” and NBC’s “The Chris Matthews Show,” headlined the evening as master of ceremonies, while Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., and former Rep. Patrick Murphy served as co-chairs of the event.
The Anna M. Curren Service Award, which recognizes the outstanding contributions and extraordinary service of those who fight for full equality in the military, was presented to House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., who provided the event’s keynote address.
“I’m honored to receive this award from the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. I was proud to help repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’—a step that makes our military stronger by allowing for open service by patriotic gay Americans, who no longer have to lie about who they are in order to wear our nation’s uniform. But our work isn’t done; now, it’s our responsibility to monitor repeal and see that it is implemented quickly, fairly, and professionally,” Hoyer saod.
“Whip Hoyer’s determination to do what’s right for all service members, as well as his knowledge of the House of Representatives, is what moved ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal legislation through the House in December and illustrates why we are proud to give him this year’s Service Award,” SLDN executive director Aubrey Sarvis said. “His leadership and dedication at the twelfth hour literally turned the tide in the fight for open service.”
SLDN also honored international singer-songwriter Lady Gaga, presenting her with the Randy Shilts Visibility Award. Named for award-winning author, the award recognizes accomplishments in bringing the plight of LGBT service personnel to the public’s attention.
Partnering with SLDN, Lady Gaga dramatically raised the profile of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) when she urged the Senate to repeal this law throughout 2010, culminating with her appearance on the VMAs, and going to Maine on Sept. 20 to call for DADT repeal.
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