Frontlines, the SLDN Blog

A Huge Success

After serving four years in the Navy and seeing the negative impact "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" had not only on my own career, but on that of many of my friends, I can no longer sit back and watch as more and more service members are kicked out unjustly. 

So I volunteered at the SLDN booth for the first time at Denver Pride on June 28. We received the most amazing response from the Pride-goers. In fact, I have never seen so many people lined up to sign a petition before! The Denver community really stepped up, and before my 4-hour shift ended, we had every petition signed, and had to send someone to get copies made at a nearby Kinko's! I've never felt more pride than knowing what a difference my time at the booth made in the quest for equal rights. 

Thank you SLDN for giving me and the amazing community of Denver the opportunity to stand up for the many gays, lesbians, and bisexuals currently serving in the military who cannot stand up for themselves on this issue. 

06-29-09 By Shae Alexis Addison | Comment (0)

José M. Zuniga’s Reaction to March on White House

I was proud to join hundreds of LGBT Americans on June 27 in exercising our right to demand that our elected leaders take action to right a wrong perpetrated against service members whose service to our country is no less honorable or patriotic than our straight brothers and sisters at arms. ...Read More

06-28-09 By José M. Zuniga, SLDN Board | Comment (3)

Service Members Speak Out

Active-duty LGBT service members from around the globe wrote notes of support for SLDN’s March on the White House this Saturday. ...Read More

06-26-09 By Paul DeMiglio, Senior Communications Manager | Comment (4)

SLDN Protest Spotlights DADT at DNC Event

On June 25, SLDN staff and supporters protested outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) LGBT fundraiser at the Mandarin Oriental in Washington, D.C., to send a clear message that President Obama and Vice President Biden must end their silence on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal. ...Read More

06-26-09 By Paul DeMiglio, Senior Communications Manager | Comment (0)

Service Members, Vets, and Families Marching for Justice

The uproar over President Obama's failure to deliver on any of his campaign promises regarding LGBT issues -- DADT ("Don't Ask, Don't Tell"), ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act), DOMA (the misnamed Defense of Marriage Act) -- is turning into a din that's got to be penetrating even the thick walls of the White House. ...Read More

06-25-09 By Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN Executive Director | Comment (9)

Report from California

Strong voices for equality rang out in the California State Legislature on June 23. Iraq veteran Joseph Rocha and SLDN's own Commander Zoe Dunning (USN Ret.) delivered powerful personal testimony about the harmful impact of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) law, focusing on its inherent injustice, the disproportionate impact on women, and the cost to American taxpayers. ...Read More

06-24-09 By Julian Chang, SLDN Board | Comment (0)

Brotherly Love for SLDN

This year's Philly Pride festival was the largest in 10 years and it showed. The crowds came in droves and all were more than happy to put their name on the line for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". For the better part of a 7 hour day, we were met with overwhelming support.

Many would express their disgust with the policy. Some even began to describe personal stories of family members impacted. There were also a surprising number of active duty members who proudly signed. Veterans for Peace made an appearance and, after signing, shook the hands of all involved. One Veteran spoke of his pride for our efforts and described his own 30 year career as a Navy physician living under a much harsher policy. Even a young ROTC member walked up to me and asked how he could become involved in the fight. I handed him a pad and an hour later he returned with every sheet signed. As a flight mechanic with the Coast Guard discharged under the policy after 10 years of service, I was touched by the vast support from the City of Brotherly Love.

I also have to salute all the volunteers who gave their time for such a great cause, especially a prior coworker of mine who is a straight, active duty ally experiencing Pride for the first time. He was blown away by the reality of the gay community and already offered his services for future endeavors. He is a model servicemember that all others questioning their stance in this fight should take notice of. I have been to many Unity events with SLDN and met many wonderful people. However, this is by far the most amazing experience I've ever encountered. I look forward to many other opportunities with SLDN.

 

06-24-09 By David Keener | Comment (1)

Lt. Col. Fehrenbach: A Role Model for Military Service

I am profoundly grateful for the courage and professionalism of Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach. He epitomizes the character and commitment we expect from America's military leaders, and gives living and persuasive testimony to the injustice and harm of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." ...Read More

06-24-09 By Paul W. Dodd, D.Min., LPC, Chaplain (Colonel), US Army (Ret), SLDN MAC | Comment (1)

San Diego Stands up for the Freedom to Serve

The San Diego City Council voted Tuesday to support equality in the U.S. Armed Forces by unanimously approving a resolution that supports a federal bill (HR 1283) to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law. ...Read More

06-23-09 By LCDR Craig Wilgenbusch, USNR, SLDN Military Advisory Council | Comment (0)