Watch The Strange History of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

The Strange History of Don't Ask, Don't Tell is a documentary film that explores the controversial Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) policy that denied gays and lesbians the right to openly serve in the US military. The film is directed by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato and features interviews with prominent political figures such as former Senator Carl Levin, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Mike Mullen.

The film opens with a brief history of the military's ban on gays and lesbians, which dates back to World War II. Throughout the years, the ban was enforced with varying degrees of severity, and many service members were discharged simply for being gay. This all changed in 1993 with the introduction of the DADT policy, which allowed gays and lesbians to serve in the military as long as they kept their sexuality a secret.

The film delves into the reasons behind the creation of the DADT policy, with former Senator Levin and other interviewees discussing the political climate at the time. President Bill Clinton had campaigned on a promise to lift the ban on gays in the military, but he faced opposition from Congress and the Pentagon. In an effort to find a compromise, the DADT policy was created, but it quickly became a contentious issue for both sides.

The documentary features in-depth interviews with individuals who were impacted by the DADT policy, including former service members who were discharged for being gay. These personal stories provide a powerful insight into the real-world consequences of the policy, and it is clear that the DADT policy caused significant harm to the lives and careers of many gay and lesbian service members.

The film also examines the challenges faced by those who worked to repeal the DADT policy. Former Secretary of Defense Gates and former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Mullen discuss their experiences leading the effort to end the policy, highlighting the legal and political obstacles they faced along the way. The documentary provides a behind-the-scenes look at the long and sometimes frustrating process of repealing the policy, including the congressional hearings and public debates that took place in the years leading up to the repeal.

Throughout the film, there is a deep sense of emotion, as interviewees discuss the personal toll that the DADT policy took on their lives. But there is also a sense of hope and optimism, as the documentary charts the path towards repeal and the positive impact that it has had on the lives of gay and lesbian service members.

Overall, The Strange History of Don't Ask, Don't Tell is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a dark chapter in American history. Through personal stories and interviews with key political figures, the film provides a nuanced and critical exploration of the impact of the DADT policy on the lives of those it affected. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of LGBT rights in America and the ongoing struggle for equality.

The Strange History of Don't Ask, Don't Tell is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.