Michelle, Hillary, and Maureen at the DNC
As the surprise speaker, Michelle Obama was a big hit at the big GLBT luncheon Tuesday in Denver, sponsored by the HRC and the Victory Fund. Aubrey Sarvis blogs about it on the Huffington Post today. A lot of big Democratic names were there -- Barney Frank, Steny Hoyer, Tammy Baldwin, and more -- and all of them favor repeal of DADT.
We've come a long way in four years. Aubrey didn't miss Hillary's speech either, or Maureen Down's response to it.
Transgender Veterans Survey Finds Discrimination by Military
A recent survey by the Transgender American Veterans Association shows that transgender veterans are being turned away and being mistreated in high numbers by Veterans Administration medical facilities.
The Palm Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara analyzed the responses. 10% of respondents were turned away from the VA due to being transgender, while many reported other forms of discrimination including lack of respect from VA doctors (22%), non-medical staff (21%), and nurses (13%).
Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones Passes Suddenly
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis expressed deep condolences on the death of Ohio Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Sarvis said, “With the passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, we have lost a fierce champion and a dear friend. Her opposition to ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ was just one example of her strong commitment to building a more just America.”
Missed the Hearing?
Click above to watch streaming video of July's historic "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" hearing. More information on the hearing, including written and audio transcripts, is available by visiting the House Armed Services Committee web site at www.house.gov/hasc.
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An Opportunity for the GOP
The Republican Party has a chance to join Democrats in calling for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in their 2008 platform. The Democratic platform draft, to be ratified by their Denver convention, calls for the implementation of policies to allow qualified men and women to serve openly in the armed services. Please sign our letter to the Republican Party, asking them to join the Democrats in affording equality of rights to all Americans qualified for military service.
Shop with SLDN
Looking for a new way to show that you support SLDN? Click here to visit SLDN's newly improved online store. Shop for SLDN branded clothes, mementos and gifts. A portion of your purchase will help SLDN provide legal assistance to service members and push for repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
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