SAN DIEGO – The Military Acceptance Project (MAP), based in San Diego, is one of six finalists in the White House LGBT Pride Month “Champion of Change Video Challenge.”

The challenge is designed to “explore the stories of unsung heroes and local leaders who are making an impact in their communities. A group of finalists will be featured as Champions of Change at an event at the White House in July,” according to the White House Office of Public Engagement.

SAN DIEGO -- Such a major civil rights advance as the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) will only happen once and it was cause for celebration.

And in a large military town like San Diego, which is home to hundreds, if not thousands of gay and lesbian servicemembers, the celebrations were aplenty.

Immediately following the "Freedom to Serve" ceremony held Tuesday evening at The Center in front of a standing-room-only crowd, community members fanned out to bars and restaurants throughout Hillcrest and surrounding neighborhoods to continue the celebration.

SAN DIEGO -- On September 20, 2011, the day chosen as the end to U. S. military's ban on gays and lesbians serving openly, the Military Acceptance Project plans to salute to LGBT service members past, present and future.

Called, "SALUTE to LGBT Service Members and the End of DADT," the event will be from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Bourbon Street Bar and Grill at 4612 Park Blvd, in University Heights.

The centerpiece of the event is the celebration of ALL LGBT service members and allies, past, present and future.

All service members and veterans in attendance will receive a gift.