Happening now: Lady Gaga arrived moments ago at the MTV Video Music Awards with service members who have been impacted by the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law. Highlights of the red carpet will air minutes from now at 8 p.m. ET on MTV Network.
Still ahead tonight: www.LadyGaga.com will direct supporters to www.SLDN.org to take action and call the Capitol switchboard. The message to Senators: Vote on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal the week of Sept. 20!
SLDN clients walking with Lady Gaga tonight at the VMAs:
--David Hall, former U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. discharged under DADT;
--Mike Almy, former U.S. Air Force Major discharged under DADT;
--Katie Miller, a top West Point cadet who resigned in August in protest to DADT;
--Stacy Vasquez, former U.S. Army Sgt. First Class discharged under DADT;
Keep updated online and on-air: Watch tonight's VMAs on MTV Networks or www.MTV.com . Red carpet program begins at 8 p.m. ET.
Keep updated on Twitter: @LadyGaga and @FreedomToServe
Tweeted moments ago by: @LadyGaga: Silks, fabrics, shoes + jewels, fashion dreams + breaking rules. Real heroes on my arm, tonight, is for us monsters, and our fight. X
Statement by SLDN: "Lady Gaga's recognition of these fine patriots casts a spotlight on the unjust burden that 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' imposes upon the brave men and women who defend our country every day, and further underscores why the Senate must swiftly act to get rid of this despicable law for good," said Aubrey Sarvis, Army veteran and executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. "With expected votes on the Senate floor later this month, advocates of open service still have time to contact both their senators and urge them to show support for all our veterans by voting to end DADT."
More background: Lady Gaga met with service members impacted by "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in Washington, D.C., earlier this week. Read more at www.ladygaga.com/news