Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Pimp Our MySpace Page

This weekend is your last opportunity to enter SLDN's contest to redesign our MySpace page. The entries will all be judged starting Tuesday, September 4 so submit your page by 11:59 pm EST September 3rd for your chance to win! The lucky winner will not only change the face of our MySpace page, but will also win their choice of either: A pair of tickets to SLDN's 16th Annual National Dinner in Washington, DC or a mystery prize of equivalent value ($450) All you have to do is design a new MySpace page for us, and then e-mail us the link at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or message it to us on MySpace. If you look in our "photos" section of our current MySpace page, we have posted graphics that you can use. Also feel free to use any graphic from our website. Of course there are a few rules (it is a contest): • You must be clear that your submission page is not an actual SLDN page • Your submission should make use of our preferred color scheme -- check out www.sldn.org to get a feel for it. • Submissions can't use any material copyrighted by anyone other than you and/or SLDN. • We reserve the right to alter the winning design in any way, and reserve the right to use any submitted material copyrighted by the entrant in the future. Contest is open to all ages ... so whoever you are, go ahead and design SLDN's new MySpace page! - Elizabeth Bolles (Have questions? E-mail me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)!) -----

08-30-07 Comment (0)

Pride, ‘In a Box’

If you attended a Pride Festival this summer, there is a pretty good chance you had an opportunity to stop by the SLDN booth and sign a petition, buy a t-shirt (like the ones seen here), or pick up a water gun. Whether you were among the 315,000 people to attend Minnesota’s Twin Cities Pride festival, or in the crowd that gathered to celebrate in Palouse, WA, you had a good shot of seeing us. How is that possible? It’s all because of the wild success of SLDN’s first annual “Pride-in-a-Box” program. We simply put out an e-mail asking if any of our constituents might like to represent us at their local Pride festival. The response was incredible. More than 300 people suggested roughly 70 events. We ended up in well over half the states, including Hawaii. Our volunteers spanned the generations, from a high school student in rural Wisconsin to a Retired Naval Commander on the west coast. They included veterans from every foreign war as far back as Korea, civilians and members of the clergy. Our presence at so many events allowed us to gather a projected 15,000 signed petitions to be sent on to Congress, to distribute critical information to service members all over the country, and to raise awareness about the importance of repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Did you somehow manage to miss us? It’s not too late! There is still a chance to see us at the following events: Rehoboth, DE - September 15 Savannah, GA – September 15 Dallas, TX – September 16 Roanoke, VA – September 16 Columbia, SC – September 22 Raleigh-Durham, NC - September 29 Richmond, VA – September 29 Phoenix, AZ – October 6-7 Fort Worth, TX – October 13 Tucson, AZ - October 13 Palm Springs, CA - November 2 - Elizabeth Bolles

Labels: community events

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08-29-07 Comment (0)

Join SLDN in San Diego

If you're attending the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association convention in San Diego this week, be sure to stop by the morning plenary on Friday (9:30 - 10:45am) for a panel discussion on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The panel will feature SLDN communications associate (and former Navy linguist) Jason Knight, wounded Iraq war veteran Eric Alva and SLDN consulting counsel Bridget Wilson. The panel will look at the experiences of LGBT service members, the Congressional push to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and the future of the issue - in the courts and Congress. And, if you're in town on Thursday at the convention, also check out the special screening of Tell a new documentary film about the ban. The film will be shown on Thursday evening, beginnin at 9pm. For more information on the convention, click here. - Steve Ralls

Labels: community events

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08-28-07 Comment (0)

The Senator Doth Protest Too Much?

By now most of America knows that Republican Senator Larry Craig of Idaho (seen here singing show tunes (?) with Senator Trent Lott and former Attorney General John Ashcroft) claims to have "a very wide stance" when going to the restroom. What some of you might not know, however, is that Senator Craig also served in the U.S. military, was dismissed from that service, and came to be an outspoken opponent of allowing gays to serve openly. As reported this afternoon by blogger Mike Rogers on The Ed Schultz Program, there's a recent statement from Craig about his feelings on the matter. In what could be called another of Craig’s "he said/he said situations," the Senator corresponded with a constituent (and SLDN supporter) earlier this month about why he’d never support repealing "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell." In the August 17 letter to his constituent, Craig wrote that, "The armed forces exist to wage war. It is unacceptable to risk the lives of American soldiers and sailors merely to accommodate the sexual lifestyles of certain individuals." He also noted that, "I don’t believe the military should be a place for social experimentation." (Such experimentation, apparently, should be left for airport restrooms.) Here’s the full text of the Senator’s Letter: Thank you for contacting me regarding the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, H.R.1246 I appreciate your letter and I apologize for the delay in my response. H.R.1246 is currently in the subcommittee on Military Personnel of the Committee on Armed Services. I am currently unaware of any similar legislation in the Senate regarding this issue. I am glad you shared your suggestions with me. As you know, the Department of Defense’s policy on this issue is commonly referred to as a ‘Don’t ask, Don’t tell’ policy and would not allow for singling out homosexuals. In addition, I don’t believe the military should be a place for social experimentation. The sole mission of the armed forces is to defend the United States. Patriotism and the willingness to sacrifice on behalf of our country are character traits I wholeheartedly encourage and I believe every American should have the opportunity to engage in the service of our country in some capacity. However, the issue is not fairness, but military effectiveness. The armed forces exist to wage war. It is unacceptable to risk the lives of American soldiers and sailors merely to accommodate the sexual lifestyles of certain individuals. Again, thank you for contacting me. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. Sincerely, LARRY E. CRAIG United States Senator LECbss ___________________ Now, let’s get this (ahem) straight: Senator Craig would boot a lesbian or gay American from the military for simply being who they are (regardless of how stellar their record may be), but would continue his own service in the United States Senate after pleading guilty to lewd conduct that, in the armed forces, would likely result in a criminal charge? Apparently, Senator Craig isn’t too worried about asking the U.S. Senate to "accommodate the sexual lifestyles of certain individuals," but frowns on the idea of patriotic LGBT Americans reporting for duty and honorably serving our country. The Idaho Statesman reports this morning that, "Craig also provided the Statesman military records to respond to a rumor he left the Idaho National Guard because he was homosexual. Craig was honorably discharged in 1972, after 20 months of a six-year enlistment." Military records say that Craig was dismissed because of a "medical disqualification," . . . . but there’s no physician’s report on file, according to the Pentagon. The Senator insists he had ‘flat feet,’ (perfect, apparently, for sending covert signals to plain-clothes police officers) and couldn’t continue to serve. Well, perhaps. But regardless, as a veteran of the armed forces, Craig knows very well that there are lesbian and gay Americans who have served, and continue to serve, our nation well. They abide by the military’s rules of conduct and make our nation proud. Their presence is not a matter of ‘social experimentation,’ but of national security. And while not all their feet may be flat enough to squeeze into size 6 ruby slippers, they are brave enough to hit the ground in Iraq, Afghanistan and everywhere they are called. Those men and women – especially in light of this week’s revelations about Senator Craig’s extra-curricular activities – deserve better than to be the target of his tired and tedious rhetoric and rants. One thinks the Senator, perhaps, doth protest too much. - Steve Ralls

Labels: in the news

08-28-07 Comment (3)

Tune in Tomorrow . . . .

. . . for an exclusive news story, from SLDN and PageOneQ, on Tuesday's Ed Schultz Radio Program. The show airs from noon until 3pm (EST), and you can tune in live online by clicking here.

Labels: in the news

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08-27-07 Comment (0)

Injured Iraq Vet Booted Under DA, DT

The Stockton Record has a story in today's paper about Randy Miller, a soldier with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, N.C., who was recently dismissed under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Miller, an Iraq war vet, was injured during a parachute jump in Iraq when his chute got cut away and his reserve chute didn't fully open. He fell 900 feet - and walked away - but later learned torn the meniscus in his left knee and damaged his right ankle. The military, however, didn't dismiss Miller because of his injury. They dismissed him because he is gay. "In Miller's case, he said he was in a known gay bar minding his own business when a male soldier made him a sexual proposition, which he rejected," The Record reports. "The rejected soldier reported Miller to a superior, and Miller was subsequently called in. He didn't lie. He admitted he was gay." In short, Miller became the latest victim of a law that has become known within the armed forces as a most effective weapon of vengeance. "With his two-year anniversary in the Army coming up, marking a promotion and pay raise, officials acted swiftly to discharge him," the paper notes. "It also meant he had to pay back a sign-on bonus he had already spent because he didn't fulfill his commitment." So much for a 'thank you' for service to your country. And, as I told the paper, "It's a slap in the face after otherwise honorable service to your country. That's unfortunately how it ends for many people in the service. It's absolutely unimaginable that in the 21st century that this is still an issue for our government." But, alas, it still is. But if there's one sliver of light in Miller's case, it may be the reaction of Army spokesman Cheryl Phillips, who told The Record that, "The law does not mean, though, that gays or lesbians can't join the armed forces. Gay, lesbian and bisexual soldiers doubtlessly are serving effectively in our armed forces today, as in the past." It's good to hear the Army publicly acknowledging that gays and lesbians serve honorably in the armed forces (though Miller neglects to point out that they cannot do so openly and honestly), but it leaves one wishing they'd also tell Congress that the ban is useless, and, even worse, counter-productive to our national interests. More military commanders need to speak up so that brave, patriotic Americans like Randy Miller are shown the respect they deserve, and not the shown the door, as they are now. - Steve Ralls

Labels: in the news

08-26-07 Comment (5)

Ron Paul Speaks Out on DA, DT Again

Pam's House Blend has a post up about recent comments Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX), a 2008 presidential candidate, made about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." As we reported earlier, we hoped Paul's position on the issue was evolving. His statement on the radio program "The American View," however, seems to confuse his stance even further. "Looking it in protecting the military if they are going to perform the services, and they are imperfect -- because we're all imperfect and we all sin," Paul said. "If a heterosexual or homosexual sins, that to me is the category of dealing with their own soul. Since we cannot have only perfect people going in the military I want to separate the two because I don't want to know the heterosexual flaws, nor the homosexual flaws and that's why I got in some trouble with some of the civil libertarians because I don't have any problem with 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' Because I don't think that, for the practicality of running a military, I'd just as soon not know every serious thing that any heterosexual or homosexual did, and those flaws have to do with all our flaws because each and everyone one of us has those imperfections." As Pam points out on her blog, ". . . gays don't want the repeal of DADT to have sex in the barracks -- gays and lesbians simply do not want to hide their orientation. Heterosexuals serving our country are able to speak openly about their lives -- a partner back home, for instance, without fearing that they will be kicked out of the military. Heterosexuality, and the culture that surrounds it, is everywhere, presumed and affirmed." Paul seems to be taking the Pentagon at its word that the law really is what its name implies. However, as SLDN has documented, commanders routinely violate 'Don't Ask,' (just check out the story of former recruiter Sonya Contreras) and the DoD has a very broad definition of what constitutes telling. We hope Congressman Paul will be open to a discussion about the reality of how many inside the military implement the ban. And we hope, too, that stories like those of Contreras will move him to take a second look at his support for the law. - Steve Ralls

Labels: 2008, in the news, ron paul

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08-26-07 Comment (0)

A Shout-Out to Congressman Larsen

The Whatcom County Democrats in Washington are calling on Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA) to get onboard with repeal . . . and to keep his promise to a constituent and veteran. In a July 28 letter to Larsen (pictured), the group's chair, Barry Buchanan, wrote that "On behalf of the Whatcom County Democrats, I am writing to you regarding two important interrelated issues, (1) co-sponsoring HR 1246 and (2) honoring your promise to former Army veteran Patrick English." "This is a formal request from the Whatcom County Democrats that you join the current 126 House Representatives who are sponsoring H.R. 1246," Buchanan continued. "H.R. 1246 will overturn the outmoded and punitive 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy which our military uses which results in the discharge of qualified and experienced military personnel. A policy of non-discrimination is long over due." But Buchanan didn't stop there. "Our second issue concerns your verbal commitment to Patrick English, a gay former Army language specialist who spoke at our general meeting earlier this month," he wrote. "Mr. English advised us that he spoke with you on January 15, 2007 at which time you said you would s peak with Rep. Marty Meehan both before and after the re-introduction of the bill at the end of February." There has been no evidence, Buchanan points out, that Larsen follow through with Congressman Meehan or with Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) who now serves as lead sponsor of the legislation. But the Whatcom County Democrats aren't taking silence as an answer. "As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, it is unconscionable that you remain silent on this important issue," they wrote to Larsen. "Even if it is uncomfortable for you to support this legislation, it is the right thing to do for our armed forces, our men and women in uniform, and our national security." Here's hoping that Congressman Larsen keeps his promise, signs on to co-sponsor H.R. 1246, and joins the fight to lift the ban. If you're a constituent of Congressman Larsen, you can also write-in and ask him to support repeal. Just click here. - Steve Ralls

Labels: Congress

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08-23-07 Comment (0)

TALON, De-Clawed

The Pentagon has announced that it plans to shut down the controversial TALON database program, which collected intelligence for federal government agencies. The program, which came under fierce criticism from civil liberties groups because of privacy concerns, is being discontinued "because the amount and quality of information being gathered had declined," according to The Washington Post. SLDN had our own run-in with TALON. In 2005, we learned that the program was being used to monitor, among other things, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" protests on university campuses. We filed a Freedom of Information Act request (FOIA) for more information, and when the government stonewalled our request, SLDN took the case to federal court. As a result, the government admitted that it had, indeed, collected such intelligence. Among the protests monitored was a gay campus kiss-in. Given that bit of information, it's no wonder DoD was dismayed by the "quality of information being gathered." Now that such surveillance is being discontinued under TALON, perhaps our federal agencies can get back to monitoring the real threats. - Steve Ralls

Labels: FOIA, in the news

08-22-07 Comment (2)