Frontlines, the SLDN Blog

Time for Action

The time for polite and passive waiting has passed. Now it's action time. The signals coming out of the Obama camp have begun to dismay some of us. Eight weeks after the election the President-elect has not appointed one openly LGBT person to a high office in his Administration, which will be upon us in three short weeks. In an affront to the LGBT community, he asked the Rev. Rick Warren, pastor of a California megachurch, to give the invocation at his inauguration. The preacher fought hard for Proposition 8 in California, putting committed gay relationships in the same bag with incest, polygamy, and "an older guy marrying a child." Nonetheless, some of Rev. Warren's best friends are gay. He says he has "eaten dinner in gay homes" and he likes the lesbian singer Melissa Etheridge. Who is that supposed to please? ...Read More

12-29-08 By Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN Executive Director | Comment (5)

SLDN Plaintiff Remembers Sacrifice, Looks to Future in Season of Hope

Christmas is always a very special time of year for me. It's more than just another holiday. While people are shopping and decorating their houses for this special holiday, there are men and women who don't get that opportunity because they are protecting the freedom of people like you and me. I have had the pleasure and privilege of being one of those people. As a soldier, your definition of family changes from just the normal platonic family to a family made up of just random strangers from all over the country with one mission in mind: To serve this amazing, diverse country we call the USA. As one of those people who stepped forward to defend each of us, there was more than just the pain of not being able to see your family on such a family-oriented holiday, but the fact that I was unable to express my love for my partner over the phone. I was in fear that if I said I love you to another man that someone would overhear me talking to him and turn me in for being gay. ...Read More

12-23-08 By SLDN Plaintiff and former U.S. Army Specialist, Tommy Cook | Comment (0)

Holidays Underscore Painful Price of Serving in Silence

For most of us the holidays are a time for families and celebrations, a time of happiness. Hundreds of thousands of men and women serve our country around the globe, in places you see in the news every day, and others you’ve probably never heard of. The closest service members will get to family over the holidays is a morale call or an e-mail from their loved ones back home, or hopefully a care package from home. Hearing a loved one’s voice from half way around the world can lift one’s spirits with a little holiday cheer and brighten the monotony of a combat zone, if but for a moment. But many of our brave service members called into harm’s way will not have that luxury. Some of our service members will make morale calls this holiday season in secret. Not because they are embarrassed, but because they are forced to do so under the heavy yoke of the law we know as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” ...Read More

12-19-08 By Mike Almy, former Air Force Officer | Comment (2)

Changing Times Renew Hope for Equality

An SLDN supporter shares a moving story of courage as the partner of a service member who will soon be deployed to Iraq. The author also thanks Frontlines contributor and decorated combat veteran Tim Stalling for his inspirational guest editorial, submitted for Veterans Day last month. ...Read More

12-15-08 Comment (0)

Lambda Honors SLDN Ally Bridget Wilson

On Saturday, December 13, Lambda Archives of San Diego will honor attorney Bridget Wilson, along with 11 other “heroes, pioneers and trailblazers” at its annual gala event. Bridget and the other 11 honorees “have committed their lives to advancing rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Their advocacy has carried the movement to heights once unimaginable.” We couldn’t agree more. ...Read More

12-12-08 By Aaron Tax and Emily B. Hecht, SLDN Managing Attorneys | Comment (2)

Time for Repeal Sooner Rather Than Later

The news is wonderful. We have a new President-elect and with him, the promise of a new administration and change to come. As supporters of SLDN and Veterans of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," we also see the light at the end of a 233-year-old tunnel. Everyone in our community of organizers and supporters are abuzz with different ideas about how the repeal will happen. We can sense it in the air and the anticipation is killing us with the possibilities. We once again dare to hope. Some of us have wondered whether we would go back to the service. We've wondered whether our friends still in uniform will feel the relief we longed for at the moment it becomes law... and we wonder whether it's all asking too much too soon. ...Read More

12-12-08 By Jeremy Johnson, SLDN Supporter | Comment (2)

California Report

The global economy is in crisis. Here at home we're 12 months into the worst recession in 25 years, maybe more. Almost everyone has felt its effects up close and personal, as those Olympics profiles used to put it. We watch nervously as our savings take a serious pummeling. We see the numbers of real estate foreclosures soaring and our friends get pink slips. The Tribune Company, which owns two of the country's great newspapers, the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune, files for bankruptcy. Autoworkers fear for their jobs - and that includes the CEOs. A bank as large and powerful as Citicorp is in trouble. Yes, every day we go online, open the newspapers or turn on the radio or the television news, the economic news is grim or grimmer. Considering all that - and it's a lot to consider - when Darren Manzella and I brought our message to Los Angeles and San Diego last week, we were truly gratified and genuinely touched by the warm reception we received. Our comrades-in-arms on the West Coast continue not only to welcome us warmly but also to support us with great generosity, both financially and spiritually. They reached deep into their pockets and gave the cause we all support close to $100,000. What an inspiration! ...Read More

12-10-08 By Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN Executive Director | Comment (0)

Spotlight on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal at the Kennedy Center Honors

On Sunday night, I attended the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' Kennedy Center Honors. Barbra Streisand was honored for her incredible achievements as an actor, singer, and director, but it was her work beyond the stage that really captured my attention. Actress Glenn Close, speaking to the audience in celebration of Streisand's many achievements, prominently highlighted Barbra's heroic efforts to expose the menace of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law with her 1995 production of "Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story." ...Read More

12-09-08 By Scott Mackoul, SLDN Supporter | Comment (3)

Don’t Tell, but the Military is Now Recruiting Foreigners

Imagine my surprise when I came across this item from the Associated Press wire on Friday: "Struggling to find enough doctors, nurses and linguists for the war effort, the Pentagon will temporarily recruit foreigners who have been living in the United States on student and work visas, or with refugee or political asylum status." That can't be. So I went straight to the Pentagon's Armed Forces Press Service and found that yes, indeed, it's true. Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy, made the announcement. Isn't he afraid of Lou Dobbs? What's happening with the serious felons the armed forces have been admitting on "moral waivers?" They can't sign up enough of them? Well, I suppose most felons aren't doctors, nurses or linguists. And probably they've already got enough numbers crunchers so no need to recruit any former wizards of Wall Street now on holiday in the various Club Feds around the country. ...Read More

12-08-08 By Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN Executive Director | Comment (1)

Under Obama, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will Pass Away

It's all about change, and although many of the faces on the next president's national security team look familiar, it's not going to be the same old, same old when Mr. Obama assumes office on January 20th. There is one preeminent reason for that: the change, as Mr. Obama said the other day, "comes from me. The vision for change comes first and foremost from me. That's my job." That's called leadership, and that's why we elected him. I take Mr. Obama at his word, and I am confident that as president he will begin, as promised, an orderly, responsible withdrawal from Iraq. I am also confident that Mr. Obama will work to end the ban on lesbians and gays serving openly in the military and that the last discriminatory law on the federal books, the law we call "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," will be repealed in the next Congress and replaced by a bill that permits open service without regard to sexual orientation. Why am I so confident? Because Barack Obama said so. ...Read More

12-03-08 By Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN Executive Director | Comment (4)

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” 15 Years Later

Fifteen years ago, when President Clinton's promise to lift the ban against gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals serving in the military was still alive, I attended the Human Rights March in Washington D.C. Service members, dressed in uniform, led the march and afterward stood at attention on the stage in front of almost 1,000,000 people as their pictures were flashed on the screen and they were identified by their name and rank. While by itself the scene was powerful, their courage was made even more evident by the presence of Adam Schindler's mother and the story she told. Adam Schindler was a sailor who had been beaten to death by shipmates when they discovered he was gay. Six months later, Congress passed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and in so doing explicitly sanctioned intolerance and bigotry. ...Read More

11-30-08 By Jackie Gardina, SLDN Board Member | Comment (0)

“Cradle of Liberty” Provides Hope for “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal

On Friday, November 21, I ventured to Boston to participate in a tribute to the Massachusetts legal community and its efforts to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), sponsored by SLDN and Boston College Law School Lambda and the Coalition for Equality. The "Cradle of Liberty" seemed an apt place to host such a gathering for people fighting for civil rights and justice. It was my first trip to Beantown, and I had time last Saturday to walk the Freedom Trail and check out the historic old haunts of Samuel Adams and Benjamin Franklin; to see the Old State House where the Declaration of Independence was first read from the balcony overlooking the site of the Boston Massacre; to admire the "new" State House built on what had been John Hancock's land where Samuel Adams and Paul Revere set the keystone in 1795, and glance at the Old South Meeting House where colonists gathered before the Boston Tea Party. ...Read More

11-28-08 By Dave Stalling | Comment (0)

Honoring the Life of Leonard Matlovich

Recently a small but powerful group of people met in the Ceremonial Room of the San Francisco LGBT Community Center to honor the life of Sergeant Leonard Matlovich and to dedicate a plaque to be installed in his honor at Castro and 18th Streets in San Francisco. The dedication was organized by Michael Bedwell, a close friend and former roommate of Leonard's. Michael brought together both old friends of Leonard's and those of us who - while we did not share the gift of knowing Leonard personally - were deeply touched by his life. ...Read More

11-26-08 By Jo Hoenninger | Comment (0)

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”: Getting Repeal Right This Time

In 1992 then president-elect Bill Clinton announced that he was going to issue unilaterally an executive order that would end discrimination against gays and lesbians in the military. Big, big mistake. Although the LGBT community cheered, we were in the minority. The bigots and the hysterics made a louder noise, drowning out the measured voice of reason. When Clinton came into office, he was opposed on this issue by the Joint Chiefs, including its chairman Colin Powell, by many in Congress, and, according to an ABC News - Washington Post poll of May 1993, by 55 percent of the American people. Of course, the Right exploited the issue and it took months for the brouhaha to die down. During those months Clinton saw a lot of his political capital evaporate. ...Read More

11-24-08 By Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN Executive Director | Comment (2)

Honoring Every Veteran – Dallas Style

For the first time, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network recently took its effort to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to Texas. Here SLDN hosted events, in addition to meeting with local leaders and state supporters to build upon growing support to lift the ban and honor all those who have risked their life to defend our nation. Now is the time for all our veterans to stand up, be proud of who they are and be an example of service to others. ...Read More

11-20-08 By Dave Gainer, Member, SLDN Board of Directors | Comment (0)

A Question of Justice

A recent story in The New York Times discusses a case before the U.S. Supreme Court that not only sparked a round of hypothetical questions but underscored why the time for repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” as a discriminatory law is now. ...Read More

11-17-08 By Emily B. Hecht and Aaron Tax, SLDN Managing Attorneys | Comment (0)

Everyone Should Have the Right to Serve Country

The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law makes no sense, harms individuals, hurts military readiness and undermines the freedom and fairness our country stands for. The time for repeal is now! On this Veterans Day, let's begin to appreciate, respect and honor all of our veterans. ...Read More

11-11-08 By Tim Stalling, SLDN Supporter | Comment (0)

Keeping the Faith

As I reflect upon the contributions of our men and women in uniform this Veterans Day, I think of the 1 million gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender veterans who have served. And I also think of those dedicated, experienced, battle-hardened warriors who are thrown out of the military simply because of their sexual orientation. ...Read More

11-07-08 By Paula Neira, SLDN Board of Directors | Comment (0)

A Mom’s Perspective on Vets Day

As we approach Veterans Day on Tuesday, we will honor our brave vets by sharing the personal views of those who served in silence because of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and their loved ones. These testimonies show the human face of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” – and serve as poignant reminders that until this law is overturned, our nation will not truly give all our patriots the honor and respect they deserve this Veterans Day. We begin our series with the story of Nancy Manzella – mother of former Army Sergeant Darren Manzella, who was discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Darren’s sacrifice and courage in the face of injustice provides hope for a future in which all Americans can serve their country free from the chains of intolerance and discrimination. ...Read More

11-06-08 By Nancy Manzella | Comment (0)

Ironic: 12,000 vs. 12,500

Extended combat tours reveal how "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" deprives our armed forces of the qualified personnel who are needed at a time when the military is already stretched too thin. Each day the military denies our brave patriots the freedom to serve based on sexual orientation, the strength of our armed forces is put at greater risk. ...Read More

10-27-08 Comment (0)

Drop in Air Force Retention Rate Shows Need to Lift the Ban

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is not only discriminatory and costly to U.S. taxpayers, but it deprives our armed services - and our nation - of the very men and women who are needed now more than ever to defend us in a critical time of war. ...Read More

10-22-08 Comment (1)

An Open Letter to General Powell

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis wrote an open letter to General Colin Powell this week, urging him to join SLDN in repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” General Powell was a key figure in enacting this failed law, underscoring the importance of engaging him to partner with SLDN as we work to create a more inclusive military that allows all members of the armed forces to serve openly and honestly, regardless of sexual orientation. ...Read More

10-20-08 By Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN Executive Director | Comment (14)

Panel to Discuss “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” after Screening of “Ask Not” at Reel Affirmations

SLDN will host a panel discussion after the noon screening of "Ask Not" at Washington, D.C.'s Reel Affirmations film festival Saturday, October 18, in the Lincoln Theatre. "Ask Not," a groundbreaking film, takes a rare look at the moving experiences of gay soldiers who have served under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." ...Read More

10-16-08 Comment (1)

Voting Requirements for Military Personnel

Military personnel stationed away from their homes can still make their voices heard in time for Election Day on November 4. Opportunities to vote early and make a difference in shaping the direction of our country's future are only a click away, but the time to act is now. ...Read More

10-16-08 Comment (0)

Question of the Day

Why do you think Congress should repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell?" ...Read More

10-16-08 Comment (19)

LGBT History Month

As we observe Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month, we can also reflect on the strides that have been made and the challenges ahead in the ongoing struggle to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) - the U.S. military's ban on open service for members based on sexual orientation. ...Read More

10-10-08 By Adam Ebbin | Comment (1)

Connecticut Marriage Ruling Highlights More Harms of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

The Connecticut State Supreme Court ruled October 10 that same-sex couples have the same right to marry as heterosexual couples. While the decision is yet another milestone in the struggle for equality, this victory also demonstrates how "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" undermines the ability of service members to take full advantage of equal marriage rights. ...Read More

10-10-08 By Aaron Tax, Managing Attorney | Comment (0)

National Coming Out Day

SLDN celebrates National Coming Out Day while remembering our brave men and women in the armed forces who cannot serve openly and honestly due to the military's discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law. ...Read More

10-10-08 Comment (0)

Texas “Hope not Hate” Candlelight Vigil to Remember Hate Crime Victims

SLDN applauds Equality Texas for hosting a "Hope not Hate" 10th anniversary candlelight vigil, which will take place Sunday, October 12, at University Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, to commemorate the lives of hate crime victims James Byrd, Jr. and Matthew Shepard. The lives of these men inspire us to renew our commitment to equality and understanding as a means to overcoming discrimination and prejudice against all people. ...Read More

10-09-08 By Paul DeMiglio | Comment (0)

We’ve moved!

Frontlines, SLDN's blog has moved along with the rest of our website.
The new site provides all the important facts, figures, and history that SLDN clients and supporters have come to rely on from our previous site. But the new website takes our campaign to a new and more exciting level, providing an online action center for supporters and activists to become a central part of our growing campaign to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
At the site, supporters can write to Congress, tell friends about the importance of lifting the ban and, of course, read and comment on SLDN's blog, and join our campaign's rapid response to breaking news and events.
Please continue to read Frontlines in our new location and comment on our postings.
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10-07-08 Comment (0)

Right-Wing Activists Seek to Reverse Progress on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal

The arch-conservative Center for Military Readiness (CMR) held a private meeting this week in Washington, D.C., in a desperate attempt to undermine efforts to repeal the failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law. ...Read More

10-02-08 Comment (0)

A New Debate at Ole Miss

I was excited to receive Aubrey Sarvis' invitation to participate in a forum at The University of Mississippi last week. Although not the Presidential Debate, this platform held national and regional LGBT leaders from across the country. ...Read More

09-30-08 By Retired Rear Admiral Jamie Barnett | Comment (39)

Welcome to Our New Site

SLDN LogoThank you for visiting the new SLDN.org!

Our new site provides all the important facts, figures, and history that SLDN clients and supporters have come to rely on from our previous website. But the new website takes our campaign to a new and more exciting level, providing an online action center for supporters and activists to become a central part of our growing campaign to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

...Read More

09-26-08 By Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN Executive Director | Comment (6)

The Outlook of Human Equality in a Small Mississippi Town

Traveling south for 2008's first Presidential Debate, I arrived in the small town of Oxford, Mississippi earlier this week. Never having been to Mississippi before, I found this quaint southern town to be just what I imagined of the American South. ...Read More

09-26-08 By Former Army Sergeant Darren Manzella | Comment (1)

Oxford, Mississippi: First Impressions

Tuesday evening in Oxford. I've been here barely two hours and already I've gotten the question of the day: What are you doing in Oxford? When I tell them I’m here for a discussion of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” as part of a conference on gay and lesbian issues sponsored by the university’s Gay Straight Alliance, and that I’m hoping we can get a question in at Friday’s presidential debate, the response is more surprise than anything else.

...Read More

09-23-08 By Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN Executive Director | Comment (3)

Welcome New SLDN Staff

We are pleased to introduce you to our newest employees at the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN). They join us at a critical time as we work to lift the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ban on open service for members of the armed forces on the basis of sexual orientation. ...Read More

09-18-08 By SLDN Staff | Comment (0)

SLDN Board Member Achieves Milestone for Women

U.S. Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol Major General Amy Courter was recently elected the first female national commander in the organization’s 67-year history. As national commander, Courter will lead nearly 60,000 volunteers in the patrol’s three main Congressionally-assigned missions, which include emergency services, cadet programs and aerospace education. Courter will work to expand the patrol-led flight program and hopes to increase the visibility of the patrol while also expanding partnerships with schools. The Civil Air Patrol is a volunteer-based organization that provides leadership training to youth and adults, many of whom learn to fly for the patrol, which works in conjunction with the U.S. Air Force. First elected to the SLDN board in 2001, Amy Courter served as board co-chair from 2004-2006 and is currently Vice President of Information Technology for Valassis, Inc. Prior to her election as national commander of the Civil Air Patrol, Courter also received the Distinguished Service Award and served as Michigan Wing Commander for the organization from 1992-2002. SLDN congratulates Major General Courter on her tremendous achievement and wishes her success in her new leadership role.

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09-11-08 Comment (0)

Supporter Donates Tax Stimulus Check

The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network extends our gratitude to a generous donor from Fresno, CA, for recently contributing her $600 IRS stimulus check to our work.

This generous support comes at a critical juncture in the fight to lift the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ban. The sacrifices of allies and generosity of donors inspire us to continue leading the fight to repeal this discriminatory policy while also providing legal assistance for servicemembers impacted by the ban every day.

...Read More

09-11-08 By Marijean Hall, Development Director | Comment (0)

Supporter Donates Tax Stimulus Check

The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network extends our gratitude to a generous donor from Fresno, CA, for recently contributing her $600 IRS stimulus check to our work. This generous support comes at a critical juncture in the fight to lift the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ban. The sacrifices of allies and generosity of donors inspire us to continue leading the fight to repeal this discriminatory policy while also providing legal assistance for servicemembers impacted by the ban every day.
With the help of individuals like our Fresno donor, SLDN will remain on the forefront of advocating for the 65,000 gay and lesbian men and women in uniform who cannot speak for themselves. The ongoing generosity of donors from across the country brings us one day closer to a time when all members of the armed forces can serve the country they love openly, honestly and free from the chains of fear and discrimination.
Visit this page to donate to SLDN today. Thank you.
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09-11-08 Comment (0)

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Makes the D-List

In the recent season finale of Kathy Griffin’s “My Life on the D-List,” the Bravo series addressed the presence of gay soldiers during Kathy’s visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to entertain recuperating service members with a special stand-up performance. ...Read More

09-11-08 By Paul DeMiglio | Comment (0)

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Makes the D-List

In the recent season finale of Kathy Griffin’s “My Life on the D-List,” the Bravo series addressed the presence of gay soldiers during Kathy’s visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to entertain recuperating service members with a special stand-up performance. During the episode, she tours the hospital to chat with recovering soldiers and help them heal through laughter, as only Kathy can. In the course of her visit, she jokingly mentions “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and asks about the presence of gay troops in the hospital. Toward the middle of the episode, one officer responds that “There’s some in there, don’t worry.”

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09-11-08 Comment (0)

GOP Platform: Homosexuality Incompatible With Military Service

The Log Cabin Republicans have put the best face on the Republican Party's 2008 platform, which won't leave many American gays and lesbians smiling.
They write on their blog, " . . . rather than squabble over the platform (which we could have done), we decided to go to Minneapolis-St. Paul at the Republican National Convention and show LGBT Americans in a positive light. We’re going there to engage in conversations with delegates and Republicans of all stripes. Some will agree with us. Others won’t. One thing we know for sure is that we’re going to the RNC with a positive message about gay and lesbian Americans. We think that’s important.”
I think that’s important, too. Very important. But however “symbolic” platform language may be, and even though every candidate need not support every plank in it, a party’s platform is still a statement on where a party stands on the issues of our time. The Republican Party Platform, which convention delegates approved unanimously on Monday, certainly does not advance the position Servicemembers Legal Defense Network advocates: the repeal of the statute known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the passage of H.R. 1246. When that inevitably happens – and it is inevitable – our country will finally acknowledge what is already a fact – that 65,000 gays and lesbians are now fighting in the armed forces of the United States – and allow them to serve openly without fear of discovery, discharge, and the loss of their benefits. We support this language in the Republican Party Platform: “Military priorities and mission must determine personnel policies.” You can’t have a man or woman in the infantry piloting a plane over Afghanistan, or a medic working as a navigator, etc., etc. And we strongly agree with the next sentence: “Esprit and cohesion are necessary for military effectiveness and success on the battlefield.“
It’s the sentence that follows that saddens and angers me: “To protect our servicemen and women and ensure that America’s Armed Forces remain the best in the world, we affirm the timelessness of those values, the benefits of traditional military culture, and the incompatibility of homosexuality with military service.”
Our servicemembers need “protection” from roving bands of gays and lesbians? Let’s get real, people. Our servicemembers need protection from hostile fire, not from the 65,000 gays and lesbians that every soldier, sailor, and airman knows are serving by their sides now with no apparent damage to esprit de corps and unit cohesion.
And homosexuality incompatible with military service? Ask Israel, whose military generally gets pretty high ratings. Ask our NATO allies who’ve managed to find homosexuality compatible enough. Many of them are actively recruiting gays and lesbian to help fill their ranks. This kind of language, in the platform of any political party in 2008, is offensive, insulting, and out of sync with what polls show most Americans, military and civilian, believe: that sexual orientation is not a factor when evaluating a person’s qualifications to serve in the military. Fortunately for gays and lesbians everywhere, for Americans in general and for SLDN in particular, the majority of Republicans do not go along with the language of their own platform. A July Washington Post/ABC News poll showed that 64 percent of Republicans support allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military. I wish I could say that the party’s candidate for president was among that 64 percent, but I can’t.
John McCain’s currently beleaguered choice for vice president, Governor Sarah Palin, has taken no public stand on DADT that I know of, but it’s hard to be optimistic. She supported the 1998 Alaska constitutional amendment barring marriage equality. She has been governor less than two years but has already supported stripping away domestic partner benefits for state workers. From that record, it doesn’t sound as if she’ll be advocating the repeal of DADT – unlike her fellow Republicans who are co-sponsors of H.R. 1246, notably Christopher Shays of Connecticut, Maryland’s Wayne Gilchrest, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida. Like my friends in the Log Cabin Republicans, I’m not giving up on the Republicans in Congress. I’m not giving up on the Republicans at all. It’s clear from the Washington Post/ABC News poll that the language in the platform does not represent the views of the majority of Republicans – or the majority of Americans, for that matter. Party leaders just have to catch up with party members.
“Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” is not an issue of one party versus another. It’s a matter of military readiness and what’s best for the country. The armed forces need all the qualified men and women they can get. It’s a matter of fairness. Bigotry is bipartisan, but so are civil rights. It comes down finally to military readiness and fairness. What’s fair for me is fair for you. Most of us, Republicans as well as Democrats, gays as well as straights, see that.
--Aubrey Sarvis

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09-04-08 Comment (0)

Platform Victory in Denver

One of the most important things that came out of the Democratic Convention in Denver this week for me was the convention’s formal adoption of the platform committee’s language on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. The hard work, of course, had already been done behind the scenes by the committees in Cleveland and Pittsburgh, and by many of you. To that end, let me again thank Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin and all members of the two committees involved, especially Diego Sanchez who was so vocal and eloquent in his advocacy of this language. We owe all of them a big thank you. Now, at long last, the Democratic Party and their presidential nominee have a formal position calling for the repeal of DADT and urging open service without regard to sexual orientation. I am told that Barrack Obama and Joe Biden will run on the platform language and embrace it, not run away from it. (As some of you already know, Joe Biden was one of the few senators in ’93 who voted no on DADT.) This is hugely important. The policy SLDN has been advocating for years is now the official policy of one of the major political parties. Now, we work with the Republican Party to see if we can get similar language in their platform document. Unfortunately, the prospects are not promising right now. The Republican National Convention platform committee did meet recently and it looks like more of the same ’04 platform language; gays and lesbians are to be excluded from serving in the military. I am going to be talking to my Republican friends in the next few days to see if there is any possibility of offering a favorable and friendly DADT amendment in the Twin Cities when the RNC meets. More on this front later. It is critical that both parties call for the repeal of DADT. This change in the law can only happen with a majority vote and we need both parties to make this policy change. It cannot happen without bipartisan support. In the interim, raise a glass and cheer the good Democratic platform language below. It is so good, I thought you should see it in its entirely. Progress is being made. “Allow All Americans to Serve We will also put national security above divisive politics. More than 12,500 service men and women have been discharged on the basis of sexual orientation since the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy was implemented, at a cost of over $360 million. Many of those forced out had special skills in high demand, such as translators, engineers, and pilots. At a time when the military is having a tough time recruiting and retaining troops, it is wrong to deny our country the service of brave, qualified people. We support the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” and the implementation of policies to allow qualified men and women to serve openly regardless of sexual orientation” --Aubrey Sarvis

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08-29-08 Comment (0)

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.

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08-28-08 Comment (0)

At the Democratic Convention the Mantra Is….

The Democratic National Convention keeps our man in Denver moving. From Google's tent (get a massage while your phone is charging) to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee's reception to the hymn-singing ladies on the street, SLDN's Aubrey Sarvis is a busy man -- and everywhere he's pushing for the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and the passage of H.R. 1246. Read about it in his latest blog on the Huffington Post.

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08-26-08 Comment (0)

Starring in Denver: Barack and Hillary and Joe

SLDN's executive director Aubrey Sarvis blogs on the Huffington Post from the Democratic National Convention in Denver that Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden can help Obama or they can hurt him, but it's still up to Obama to seal the deal. That will determine the next leader of the most powerful country in the world. Whether that man is Obama or McCain, he will carry a heavy, heavy responsibility.

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08-26-08 Comment (0)

Hello Marijean

SLDN | Don't Ask, Don't Tell | Marijean HallPlease welcome Marijean Hall, SLDN’s new Development Director, who joined us last month.

Marijean has been a senior level nonprofit professional for 25 years, providing strategic/business planning, fundraising, and communication services to local and national organizations. She has developed successful fundraising programs for preeminent health care organizations including the American College of Cardiology, American Academy of Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical Center and AIDS Action Foundation.

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08-25-08 Comment (0)

Anxious Democrats

Aubrey Sarvis is blogging this week for the Huffington Post from the Democratic National Convention in Denver. He reports that the party faithful are full of hopeful anticipation mixed with a dash of apprehension. Why the apprehension? Look towards the Clintons. How much weight to give the Hillary factor? Will her most ardent supporters get on the Obama bandwagon, however reluctantly? Or are they so disaffected that they’ll climb aboard the McCain Express and elect the Republicans' man in November?

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08-25-08 Comment (0)

Transgender Veterans Survey Finds Discrimination by Military and Veterans Administration

A recent survey [PDF] 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.

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08-25-08 Comment (0)

Hello Marijean

Please welcome Marijean Hall, SLDN’s new Development Director, who joined us last month. Marijean has been a senior level nonprofit professional for 25 years, providing strategic/business planning, fundraising, and communication services to local and national organizations. She has developed successful fundraising programs for preeminent health care organizations including the American College of Cardiology, American Academy of Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical Center and AIDS Action Foundation. With the opportunities that will come with a new administration and Congress, SLDN needs to substantially increase funding for our work to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” We are excited to have Marijean heading our development team during this important time.

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08-25-08 Comment (0)

Transgender Veterans Survey Finds Discrimination by Military and Veterans Administration

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 of 827 transgender U.S. military veterans and active-duty personnel. 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%). In addition, among those who served under the “don’t ask, don’t tell policy,” 1 in 5 were questioned by an officer about their sexual orientation, a violation of the military’s DADT policy. A third reported there were suspicions about their sexual identity; indicating that officers were confusing that with gender variance. “I find it very disturbing that our proud veterans are being turned away by the VA because of who they are,” stated Monica Helms, President of Transgender American Veterans Association. “We served our country honorably and proudly and the VA medical benefits we earned should not be denied or diminished simply because of the direction our lives took after discharge from active service.” Other figures found in the survey also paint a bleak picture of how transgender veterans are being treated. VA medical services offered to other veterans are routinely denied transgender veterans, such as pap smears, mammograms, prostate exams, psychotherapy and hormone treatments. Also, respondents reported they were more likely to be turned away for treatment related to transgender health issues. Nearly one third of the survey participants reported having experienced discrimination in the workplace, with 31% reporting that they believed they had not been hired for a job specifically because they were transgender. A full 15% reported that they had been fired from a job for being transgender (with 40% of those people having been fired more than once).

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08-25-08 Comment (0)

Standing on Principle

Aubrey Sarvis recently wrote in the Huffington Post about the Democratic Party’s draft platform that calls for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Four years ago, DADT was not even mentioned. The draft has to be approved by the convention next week, but that seems a virtual certainty. He compares this principled stand with others that were found controversial in their time, like the racial integration of the armed forces in 1948. Such major changes in attitude rise above partisanship. They’re not about what party we belong to but what kind of country we are.

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08-21-08 Comment (0)

Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones Passes Suddenly

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis expressed deep condolences on the sudden and sad 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, and insisting upon equality for all.” Sarvis added, “We are extremely proud that Congresswoman Tubbs Jones was one of 143 House co-sponsors of H.R. 1246, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act.”

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08-21-08 Comment (0)

Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones Passes Suddenly

SLDN | Don't Ask, Don't Tell | Stephanie Tubbs JonesServicemembers Legal Defense Network Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis expressed deep condolences on the sudden and sad 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, and insisting upon equality for all.”

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08-21-08 Comment (0)

Thank You, Admiral Barnett

After 32 years of distinguished service, Rear Admiral Jamie Barnett retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve in June. In a virtual retirement message, he urged the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Barnett recently wrote an Op-Ed in the Washington Post calling on military leaders to speak openly of how "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" injures our military and weakens our preparedness. This week, we are proud to announce that he is contributing his compensation from the Washington Post to SLDN. We are honored to Admiral Barnett’s contribution and proud that he is speaking out to right this wrong. On behalf of our clients and all who must serve in silence, we thank Admiral Jamie Barnett.
--Adam Ebbin

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08-11-08 Comment (0)

“Never so Proud”

Upon accepting the position of Legislative Affairs Intern at Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, I never would have imagined that my experience would have allowed me to be a part of such a tremendous movement that improves both gay rights and the strength of our military. As a Navy veteran who was pushed out of the Armed Services by the restrictions and harassment that accompanies the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law, I decided that joining the efforts to lift the ban was best decision that I could make. Over my experience during the summer, I was able to work with other allied LGBT organizations, speak first-hand with members of congress and congressional staff members, utilize the many great resources that the DC area has including the Library of Congress, and contribute toward the congressional testimony for the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Review hearing. As a student one-year shy from an undergraduate degree, the opportunity I was given was unlike any other. The experience that I acquired at SLDN was not only personally rewarding, but rewarding in credible job experience that I will bring to future employers.
I had never felt so proud when Members of Congress were speaking out on my behalf, along with the other 45,000 who would serve if the law was repealed. Hillary R. Kowalski Former USN Airman

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08-04-08 Comment (0)

Irony in the House Dead? Not Yet

In his most recent Huffington Post article, SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis reflects on the irony of Congress holding historic hearings on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” the very same day lawmakers attended a ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of President Truman’s integration of the armed forces.
In his article, Sarvis notes, “The very same arguments that were made in 1948 against mingling the races in the military were made Wednesday against mixing homosexuals and heterosexuals...But there was a major difference: this time the two witnesses testifying to the hotbed of sexual license that our armed forces would instantly become should homosexuals be allowed to romp freely through the barracks looked, to put it charitably, foolish.”
Click here to visit Huffington Post and learn what Sarvis is saying about "Irony in the House.”
-Adam Ebbin

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07-25-08 Comment (0)

My Excitement Was Warranted

(Gen. Coleman, Capt. Darrah & S/Sgt. Alva)
Yesterday’s hearing couldn’t have gone any better. I for one could not have felt more elated and impressed by the response from the subcommittee members. Based on the questions and comments from the Congressional members present, I think we will see repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in the not too distant future. What a great feeling. And, I have new heroes in Congress. After spending over eight years under that policy, it heartens me that one day no one will have to feel like those of us who served under it felt.
Representative Ellen Tauscher ranks high on my list of favorites. She is lead sponsor the Military Readiness Enhancement Act in the House, which drives her to the top of the list. Her appearance at the hearing yesterday only helped to lift her in my eyes. She suggested that the issue of gays in the military presented the last civil rights hurdle for us to over come.
Representative Patrick Murphy presented some very pointed questions and as a fellow, former service member, I am very proud. He asked if our service members had the professionalism to serve with members of differing sexual orientation, adding that he found it insulting for Ms. Donnelly to suggest otherwise. He definitely has a place on my list of heroes.
Representatives Shays and Snyder also belong on my list of heroes. Shays said he thought the policy was not only unpatriotic and counterproductive, but “downright cruel.” Truer words could not have been said. Snyder, equally impressive, pointed out the fear mongering attitude presented by Ms. Donnelly’s argument that HIV infection would somehow spiral out of control if the ban disappeared.
I would be terribly remiss if I did not mention the outstanding performance of the witnesses who support repeal. Staff Sergeant Eric Alva gets my deepest thanks, not only for his testimony, but what he has given to this country, and this fight. He has given more than I can ever understand, and I can only hope my meager thanks somehow help. Captain Joan Darrah, was amazing and presented a clear picture of what it means to be gay in the military. General Vance Coleman showed us how the arguments against repeal have already been used and defeated with his comparison to the desegregation of the armed forces. He was poignant and evocative. Thanks and kudos goes out to each one.
What an exciting day, and what an exciting future that lays ahead. No doubt more work still needs done, and servicemembers still need help, protection and representation. I can’t even begin to explain my excitement helping to take some of these steps to equality, but we still have to fight on and win. Hooah.
-Former Army Sergeant Daniel Pond
SLDN Legal Intern

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07-24-08 Comment (0)

With Enemies Like This….Who Needs Friends

(Gen. Coleman, Captain Darrah and Former S/Sgt. Alva Testifying Before Congress)
This morning's Washington Post offers up a scathing critique of Elaine Donnelly's performance during yesterday's historic Congressional hearing on the impact of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Donnelly, President of the Center for Military Readiness, accomplished what many of us working to lift the ban on lesbians, gays and bisexuals in the military could only dream of -- consensus.
According to reporter Dana Milbank, "Donnelly treated the panel to an extraordinary exhibition of rage. She warned of 'transgenders in the military.' She warned that lesbians would take pictures of people in the shower. She spoke ominously of gays spreading 'HIV positivity' through the ranks," and her testimony "had the effect of increasing bipartisan sympathy for the cause."
Excellent testimony supporting repeal was provided by U.S. Army Major General Vance Coleman (Ret.), U.S. Navy Captain Joan E. Darrah (Ret.), and former Marine Staff Sgt. Eric F. Alva.
Click here to watch the video webcast of the hearing.
-Adam Ebbin

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07-24-08 Comment (0)

Friends in Unlikely Places

Yesterday, the National Review published a strong and thoughtful article by the magazine’s contributing editor, Deroy Murdoch, calling for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” “’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is a Clinton-era relic. It belongs in the Museum of the 1990s, wedged between the Nirvana CDs and shares of WorldCom stock,” writes Murdoch. Click here to read the article in its entirety. -Adam Ebbin

07-24-08 Comment (1)

Hearing Excitement

I am excited to hear that Congress is finally looking into “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” After having served more than eight years in the Army, I can tell you about the difficulties of living under this very tough law and policy. The fact that Congress decided to look at it again shows the changing attitudes towards lesbians, gays, and bisexuals serving openly.
Although I had an atypical experience in the Army, I know many people that did not. I did not serve as openly as I would have liked, however I also did not face the threats, harassment or abuse that many face today. I felt the love of serving outweighed my desire to come out, and therefore kept my sexual identity to myself. I knew many other gay or lesbian service members who served similarly. The need for this law, if it ever really existed, passed long ago.
I can only imagine an Army where I wouldn’t have to hide or dodge questions about with whom I hang out, date or even share a meal. I could attend a formal gathering with a date instead of making up lies about not having anyone to bring. I could actually have a normal conversation with people without constantly analyzing which pronouns I choose or taking care not to mention names. I could just let people know me for me, and not the me I put forward to protect myself and my career. To lift this ban, would lift the incredibly heaving burden weighing down all lesbian, gay or bisexual service members. And again, right now I can only imagine that Army.
This hearing before the House this week, while a step forward, remains only a step. Many more steps must follow in order for those things I can only imagine to become reality.
-Former Army Sergeant Daniel Pond SLDN Legal Intern

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07-23-08 Comment (0)

The Testimony of Three Witnesses

On the eve of historic Congressional hearings, SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis shares with the Huffington Post, the identities of the three patriotic men and women who will step forward and give testimony on the urgent need to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." In his article, Sarvis discusses the importance of the hearings and predicts, "in the not too distant future the era of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' will seem part of a sad and dusty past, vaguely unreal, like a dream, almost quaint." Click here to visit Huffington Post and learn what Sarvis is saying about "The Testimony of Three Witnesses.”
-Adam Ebbin

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07-22-08 Comment (0)

Tom Carpenter—In His Own Words

As a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, former Marine and most senior director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (“SLDN”), the hearing before the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee is a very significant and historic event to me. I am confident it is the beginning of the end of the misguided law known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. When candidate Bill Clinton announced to some of my friends in Los Angeles that he would lift the ban on GLB servicemembers, little did he know the firestorm that would erupt during the first months of his administration when he tried to fulfill this pledge. He faced open opposition from the Joint Chiefs of Staff as well as leaders of both parties. As Congressional hearings began, the late Tom Stoddard, who was leading the Campaign for Military Service, an organization supporting lifting of the ban, asked me to come to Washington to help lobby Congress. Since the late Sen. Strom Thurmond had appointed me to the Academy, I was asked to meet with his staff and the staff of former Sen. Sam Nunn. This was not a pleasant mission. It was apparent to me, from the comments of these staff members, mostly retired military officers, that the best we could hope for was the compromise proposed by the late Charlie Moskos, which became known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. It was clear to me that this law was bankrupt from its inception for one simple reason- it was contrary to the military’s highest core values of honor and integrity. In 1996, SLDN’s co-founders, Michelle Beneke and Dixon Osburn asked me to join the Board. I gladly accepted the invitation with the knowledge that the road ahead would be difficult and often painful. SLDN was at that time, as eloquently stated by retired Commander and present Board co-chair Zoe Dunning, the 911 for Servicemembers who ran afoul of this new law. Over the past 15 years SLDN has helped over 8,000 troops. During that same period nearly 12,500 have been discharged under the law and tens of thousands have left the service because they could no longer live a lie. I have met hundreds of these patriots- these are not mere numbers to me, but human beings who have suffered loss of careers and often abandonment by family and friends. Those who were discharged under the law are branded forever by their discharge certificate which states they were fired because of “homosexual conduct”, even though they did nothing more than tell the truth when asked about their sexual orientation. One of my closest friends, also a Naval Academy graduate and former Marine, became so depressed by the loss of his career, he took his own life. They are all casualties of a law that is un-American and must be repealed. Thankfully, the American people get it. In several recent polls, 75 percent support open and honest service. There has been a sea change since 1993, and now is time for Congress to carry out the will of the people. With our country engaged in two wars and the land forces stretched to the breaking point, we need every patriot who wants to serve their country. The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (HR1246) would repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law. This bill has 143 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives. The hearing this week is the first step in the process of educating members of Congress about why the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” must go. I have great faith in the innate fairness of most of my fellow citizens-including members of Congress. This is their opportunity to right a wrong. If they listen to the compelling testimony about this injustice, I am confident they will find their way to do what is clearly in the best interest of the country we all love- repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law by enacting the Military Readiness Enhancement Act. -Tom Carpenter

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07-21-08 Comment (3)

Why Should You Care?

I care deeply about repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law that prohibits lesbian, gay and bisexual service members from serving openly in the US military. But then, I am just a little biased. I retired from the Air Force last year after a 22 year career and a first-hand view of the impact of serving in the closet. The pretentious duplicity of gays and lesbians pretending not to be gay while the military pretends they don’t know we are serving is absolutely ludicrous and serves no one. Not the gays and lesbians who can’t bring their whole self to work, and not the military that is forced to waste precious resources on the discharges of those who are found out (often by someone else outing them out of retribution). That’s why, once I retired, I volunteered to support the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN). SLDN provides free legal services to service members who get into trouble due to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and they are leading the fight to repeal the failed law.
Maybe you don’t care that 12,500 service members have been discharged since the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law was implemented in 1994. Neither are you impressed that DoD had spent some $400 million in implementing the law. Finally, so what if 24 other nations (including Great Britain) have full open service for their gay and lesbian servicemembers?
I’m guessing that even if you don’t know any gay and lesbian servicemembers, if you are LGBT or a straight ally, you care about equal rights, don’t you? Did you know that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is the only law in the US that mandates someone be fired for being gay- just for being who they are? Repealing this law is not just a military readiness issue, but also a civil rights issue. Just as the military led the way to abolish racial segregation (by President Truman’s executive order in 1948), it now finds itself on the front lines in the fight to end legal discrimination of the LGBT community. The good news is, that once given the charge; the military can make anything happen. In fact, once mandated to desegregate whites and blacks, integration in the Army took only five years to accomplish. That’s largely due to the nature of military life…superiors issue orders and subordinates follow them or get weeded out. A National Defense Research Institute (RAND) report also found that the military is very capable of changing “how troops behave toward previously excluded (and despised) minority groups, even if underlying attitudes toward those minority groups change very little.” They pointed out that “leadership” is what makes the difference.
Today, there are more than 65,000 LGB service members serving on active duty and the Guard and Reserves today; many of them in critical job skills and, they’ve served in every conflict since the Revolutionary War. There are also over one million gay veterans in the US today A new study, recently released by the University of California’s Palm Center and conducted by four retired military officers, including the three-star Air Force lieutenant general who was integral to the implementation of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, said that “evidence shows that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly is unlikely to pose any significant risk to morale, good order, discipline or cohesion”. Navy Vice Admiral Jack Shanahan said he was struck by the loss of personal integrity required by individuals to carry out “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Seventy-five (75) percent of Americans in a new Washington Post–ABC News poll said that gay people who are open about their sexual orientation should be allowed to serve openly, up from 62% in early 2001and 44% in 1993. HR 1246, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, has 143 Congressional co-sponsors. This bill would repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and replace it with a policy of non-discrimination in our armed forces. So, I ask you to care about repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law because it is just the right thing to do, and it can lead the way to providing complete civil rights to our entire LBGT community. The hearing that will take place on Wednesday is historic and a major step in the right direction. It is only the beginning though. It is up to each of us to exercise one of the rights we currently enjoy…freedom of speech, to gain the rest of the rights we are entitled to. Click here to take action and sign SLDN’s petition to Congress telling them to pass the Military Readiness Enhancement Act and click here to join the grass roots effort. Each of us really does have the power to make a difference. Take a stand and make your difference today. -Linda Thomas

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07-21-08 Comment (0)

Senator Nunn’s Last Chance

With the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates finally confirmed, attention is turning towards who Senators Obama and McCain will choose as running mates. One of the names being suggested as a possible Vice Presidential material for Sen. Obama is former Georgia Senator Sam Nunn, one of the architects of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law.
In his most recent Huffington Post article, SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis takes on the rumors that Nunn will be selected by Obama as his running mate. Sarvis notes, "Nunn has got to go all the way on opening the military to qualified gays and lesbians who want to serve – not half way, as he’s been doing lately."
Click here to visit Huffington Post and learn why Sarvis is saying that this is “Senator Nunn’s Last Chance.”
-Adam Ebbin

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07-18-08 Comment (0)

Weekly News Round-Up!

This past week has seen a number of newspapers, from across the country, weighing in on the need to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” With Congress likely to hold its first hearing into the liabilities of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” since the law was enacted in 1994, communities from coast to coast are taking the opportunity to remind lawmakers that the ban on openly lesbian, gay and bisexual service members needs to be repealed. Late last week the editors at the Washington Post backed repeal as did the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram. This weekend the Roanoke Times, Seattle Times, Boston Herald, and the Oregonian each tackled the issue in poignant and intelligent editorials calling for an end to discrimination in the ranks. Poll after poll shows that the public overwhelmingly believes gays should be allowed to serve openly in the U.S. military. This weekend’s flurry of editorials reinforces the fact that Red and Blue America are in agreement – Congress must repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
-Adam Ebbin

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07-14-08 Comment (0)

Sarvis Discusses Possible Congressional Hearing on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

Last month SLDN announced that more than 600 service members had been discharged from the military in 2007 because they are lesbain, gay or bisexual, bringing the total number of men and women discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" to nearly 12,500. In his most recent Huffington Post article, SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis reflects on the possibility of Congressional hearings examining the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the personnel needs of our armed forces. Sarvis notes, "It is historic because any serious discussion of the crisis the country faces in recruiting and retaining qualified men and women in the military...will require a fresh and serious look at the odious ‘compromise’ known as ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell.’" Click here to visit Huffington Post and learn why Sarvis is calling the first Congressional hearing on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in fifteen years "historic." -Victor Maldonado

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07-11-08 Comment (0)

Washington Post Urges Repeal

This morning's Washington Post includes an editorial urging Congress to repeal the ban on openly lesbian, gay and bisexual service members, noting that it is Time to End 'Don't Ask'.
Citing a "Report of the General/Flag Officers' Study Group" released this week by the Michael D. Palm Center of the University of California at Santa Barbara, the Post called the group's findings "devastating."
"Attitudes in the military are changing," wrote the editorial board. "Allowing gay men and lesbians to serve openly 'is unlikely to pose any significant risk to morale, good order, discipline, or cohesion.'" The article concludes by exhorting readers, "That reexamination should be the beginning of the end of 'don't ask, don't tell.'"
We couldn't agree more.
You can send a letter to the editor applauding this morning's editorial by emailing .
-Victor Maldonado

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07-11-08 Comment (0)

Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick…

Sunday, July 13th -- On Sunday, 60 Minutes will rebroadcast a story by correspondent Lesley Stahl reporting on a growing number of openly lesbian and gay troops serving on active duty in the United States military. Originally broadcast in December 2007, the story includes an interview with Army Sergeant Darren Manzella and an update noting that he has since been discharged under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law. Stahl's report also looks at SLDN's work in assisting service personnel such as Manzella, and the organization's campaign to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
Tune in: 60 Minutes; CBS TV - Check your local listing, July 13.
-Victor Maldonado

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07-11-08 Comment (0)

Tune In—SLDN In the News II

Monday, July 14th -- Logo Television's Jason Bellini will interview SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis and Army Sergeant Darren Manzella, the combat decorated medic recently discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The program will include discussion of the support Manzella received in battle zones and how the upcoming presidential election could impact on the prospects for repealing "Don't Ask. Don't Tell."
Tune in: CBS News on Logo; Logo TV - 7 pm on Monday, July 14.

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07-11-08 Comment (0)

Tune In—SLDN In the News

Friday July 11th -- Tune into Sirius Satellite Radio to hear former Army Sergeant and SLDN client Darren Manzella interviewed on the Michelangelo Signorile Show this Friday. Sergeant Manzella will talk about his personal experience coming out to his fellow soldiers, his appearance on 60 Minutes and his recent discharge from the Army following his second tour of duty in the Middle East. Tune in: Michelangelo Signorile Show; Sirius Satellite Radio, OutQ Channel 109 - 3:30 pm on Friday, July 11. -Victor Maldonado

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07-11-08 Comment (0)

Memories on the 4th

I love fireworks. For some reason they always make me smile. For me, they are one of the joys of the Fourth of July celebrations. I get to see them live, on T.V. and from all over the country. I have seen fireworks in many places around the world and for many reasons, but nothing compares to the firework displays on the 4th. This year I get to see the fireworks in our nation’s Capitol which I hear are spectacular, so I am very excited!
This will be my second 4th of July celebration since leaving the Army, and I have been thinking back on the eight or so Independence Days I celebrated while serving. I remember families with blankets on the fields, kids running around, many a Bar-B-Que going on, and the music. Everyone was in high sprits, laughing and joking and just having a great time. Every year there would be invites to back yard parties, company parties, platoon parties, and various others. These were usually fun events where people would bring boyfriends, girlfriends, wives, husbands and children.
In some ways those memories make me sad because for all of the good times, I never got the chance to celebrate the 4th with someone special – because of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” doing so could have cost me my career. This year,