Courtesy Story, Human Interest
2010-07-13

Brooklyn - July, 2010 Over the last year, Brooklyn-based documentary photographer Jo Ann Santangelo, has been photographing and recording the stories of American service members in their homes. This on-going project is not just a portrait essay; it is also a multi-media piece in which these LGBT Veterans have a chance to tell their stories in their own words. Many told what her what it was like to serve as a gay person in the U.S. Military; some recounted the day they were told of their discharge. Capt. Joan Darrah recalled twenty years of hiding who she was and whom she loved.

Proud To Serve is a portrait essay of our Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender American Service Members who served their country in silence or were discharged under the current “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law.

joannsantangelo.com/veterans.html

vimeo.com/9745208

This project is currently seeking support through the artist funding initiative Kickstarter.com.

With the funds raised through kickstarter, Jo Ann will take a 4- week cross country road trip and help end this discriminatory policy and put a face on the statistics of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Here is the link to donate:

kickstarter.com/

For updates: Become a fan on Facebook: facebook.com/proudtoserve

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