The U.S. policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) was finally put to rest on September 20, 2011, but the phrase and the meaning behind
(prHWY.com) October 27, 2011 - Pittson, PA -- OCTOBER 27, 2011 - PITTSON, PENNSYLVANIA - The U.S. policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) was finally put to rest on September 20, 2011, but the phrase and the meaning behind it have transcended the military's interpretation and have permeated the culture. "'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' has entered the vernacular, and has come to refer to any topic that might be considered off-limits," says Gary Zurenda, owner of DADT Clothes (
www.dadtclothes.com). "The U.S. policy prohibiting openly gay men and lesbian women from serving in the military and military personnel from harassing service members in the closet lasted 18 years, but the legacy of DADT lives on."
Zurenda notes that, although the repeal of DADT is official, many LGBT service members are still in the closet. "Homophobia still pervades the military culture, so service members remain afraid to come out. That's one of the reasons we've launched DADT Clothes - to give those in the military a symbol of pride, and to enable civilians to show their support for DADT's repeal," he says.
Moreover, DADT finally has a face. DADT Clothes' trademarked logo features a stylized graphic of a man holding his finger to his lips, with half of his face in stark black and white, and the other half a veritable rainbow of cascading hair. Currently, DADT Clothes offers T-shirts and tank tops, but will soon carry sweatshirts, pants, and other clothing items.
While the clothing holds a definite appeal for those who favor DADT's repeal, it also reflects an emerging phenomenon in the larger culture. Teens and adults are using the term, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," as a way of forestalling questions about topics that they don't wish to discuss. According to Zurenda, "DADT might be a response to 'Are you going out with that guy?', 'Is your house in foreclosure?', or 'What's with the new haircut?'"
DADT Clothes is at the cutting edge of the trend, providing those who simply don't want to discuss something with an announcement of that fact. "Whether tongue-in-cheek or serious, wearing DADT apparel sends a message that resonates," concludes Zurenda. "It's an in-your-face statement that unequivocally says, 'Don't go there!'"
For additional information or to arrange an interview, please contact Gary Zurenda at 570-299-5468 or via email at dadtclothes@gmail.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 23, 2011
Location: Pittson, PA
Contacts: Gary Zurenda
Phone: 570-299-5468
E-Mail: dadtclothes@gmail.com
Web Address:
http://www.dadtclothes.com
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