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Dan Choi

Dan Choi

Former U.S. Army Officer and Iraq War Veteran; LGBT rights Activist

Lt. Dan Choi, a West Point graduate and Iraq veteran, announced that he was gay on ‘The Rachel Maddow Show’ on March 19, 2009. Because of three words – “I am gay”– Choi’s life changed forever. Despite his extreme value as an Arabic speaker able to communicate quickly and clearly with the Iraqi people, one month after his announcement, Choi was notified that the Army had begun discharge proceedings against him.  

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Bio

Full Bio

Lt. Dan Choi, a West Point graduate and Iraq veteran, announced that he was gay on ‘The Rachel Maddow Show’ on March 19, 2009. Because of three words – “I am gay”– Choi’s life changed forever. Despite his extreme value as an Arabic speaker able to communicate quickly and clearly with the Iraqi people, one month after his announcement, Choi was notified that the Army had begun discharge proceedings against him.

After protests, petitions, and hard work, . Choi fought for the eventual repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ Arrested repeatedly in front of the White House during a time when President Barack Obama was unwilling to provide leadership on gay rights legislation, or take presidential action to halt discharges, a small group of protesters continued their activism despite criticism from within the LGBT community. Lt. Choi always pled “not guilty” at trial, often representing himself in court.

Choi continues to advocate for full LGBT civil rights and veteran’s health. He has appeared frequently on national and international news programs, and serves on the boards of Marriage Equality USA and the American Foundation for Equal Rights. He is a graduate of the US Army Scout Leaders Course, Air Assault School, and Parachutist School.

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Testimonials

Lt. Dan Choi is an inspirational leader in the LGBT community. Despite the implications of coming out in the US military under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” he wasn’t afraid to stand up for himself, and other gay service men and women. His story is one of courage, and strength.

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Topics

Topics

Don’t ask, don’t tell

LGBT

Videos

Videos

Rachel Maddow Interviews Lt. Dan Choi - Fired by the Army for being gay
The Moth Presents Lt. Dan Choi: Made to be Broken

Books

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HCA Healthcare

We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!

Salt Lake Community College

It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

Western Michigan University

On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can’t wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

Ferris State University

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