What will be the impact of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?”

“Some of the power structure will resist because they want to remain in control. But I don’t see anything bad coming from it. I think the new policy will be phased in smoothly.”

“It will help with acceptance, and it will help with [same-sex] marriage rights. That issue will become more mainstream. Now people will see that if people can die for their country, they should also be able to marry in their country.”

“I’m cautiously optimistic. There will be some resistance from Republicans. But I hope the LGBT community, through strategic planning, will build on this achievement in 2011. Since it’s not an election year, I don’t think the Republicans will be a major stumbling block.”

“For LGBT America, it will be liberating. For most Americans, essentially it will be business as usual. It’s hard to foresee the future but I hope this victory will be the catalyst for equal rights in all aspects of gay life.”