01/23/2021
A Decade of DADT
Today marks what would have been Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’s ten year anniversary. A decade of love, artistry, and joy for the Greater Boston community. Unfortunately, we can not physically be together tonight.
I would like to take the time to thank everyone who has helped make DADT what it is over the past 10 years. The project has been a labor of love for those who chose to contribute their hearts and minds to it every month. DADT’s purpose has always been to provide a home for our q***r community. Even just by showing up, each of you helped to influence a positive shift in Boston’s nightlife.
The idea for DADT came to me one night while I was lying on my sofa. I was brainstorming ideas for an event where I, a gay man, could party alongside all my friends, regardless of gender or orientation. Back in 2011, the nightlife scene was much more segregated, sometimes even pitting groups against one another. Meanwhile, there was a growing desire to share our authentic selves with the world. This gave rise to the motto “All are welcome who welcome all” (a phrase which fully manifested at once, along with the name Don’t Ask Don’t Tell). As more and more of the pieces came together, this idea felt as if it was meant to be. Much like a fire, however, its longevity has not been determined by this initial spark. Without the literal blood, sweat and tears of everyone who has been involved from the start, DADT could have been a one-night stand. Instead, it went on to become one of the most notorious parties in Boston for thousands and thousands of people.
Don’t Ask Don’t Tell helped define who I am. Working on this project has developed me as a person and made me into an adult. It has solidified my identity both outwards and inwards. I devoted myself to producing over 100 events across the city, with tens of thousands of hours committed to directing, promoting, and executing every step of the project’s evolution. It is now and forever will be a part of me.
As we enter a new decade, our world is much more uncertain. How events will operate in the future may not be determined for quite some time. It is unlikely we’ll all be crammed into a space with hundreds of our friends again soon. Like many of you, when the pandemic struck I took the opportunity to do some soul searching and found myself grateful for the time away from nightlife. It helped me reset my perspective and has allowed me to assess what is truly important to me. In the end, my self-discovery will enable DADT to be bigger and better than ever before when it is safe to do so. Perhaps the same can be said for each of us, and there will be a rebirth of culture so marvelous it will help ease the pain brought onto us by those we lost.
Until that day comes, let’s try to be there for fellow members of our community. Check in on friends, acquaintances and loved ones. Just as importantly, do not be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Wear a mask. Don’t party with all your friends. Get tested. Learn something new. Express yourself creatively. Stay active. Remember, this too shall pass. I love you. DADT loves you. We will all be together again.
Sincerely,
Colby Drasher
