Ask Not

Director Johnny Symons examines the U.S. military's “don't ask, don't tell” policy by profiling homosexual members of the armed services, speaking primarily with those who would like to serve openly, while also giving voice to a few individuals who support the ban, such as retired Lt. Col. Robert Maginnis, who describes homosexuality as “an ailment,” and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell, who appears via newsreel footage. At the time this documentary was made, the military had discharged 12,000 individuals for acknowledging their sexual orientation. In the experience of ex-private and Arabic linguist Alex Nicholson, “It's a very lonely existence to be in constant fear of someone finding out.” As he points out, the full policy is “don't ask, don't tell, don't pursue, don't harass.” Following his dismissal, he joined the Call to Duty Tour to speak out against the ban. Symons also interviews David Mixner, a civil rights activist; Jacob Reitan, co-founder of Right to Serve; retired Rear Adm. Alan Steinman, who found a female companion with whom to attend social events; and “Perry,” who must shield his identity in order to serve in Iraq. Mixner recalls when presidential candidate Bill Clinton promised to lift the ban against homosexual conduct in 1992, only to backtrack after the election—although he later told NPR that he “very, very deeply” regrets his reversal (the audio is included here). This DVD offers two versions of the film: the 54-minute broadcast program aired on PBS' Independent Lens series and the 73-minute theatrical release. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)