Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Barbara Walters

We couldn't be more excited. That's because legendary broadcast journalist and co-host of ABC's The View, Barbara Walters, will be the emcee for our celebration in New York City on Tuesday, September 18. We will be honoring Admiral Mike Mullen, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and paying tribute to America's service members and veterans as we mark the first anniversary of the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

And there's more good news.

There is still time to get your tickets and be there for this memorable, once-in-a-lifetime event. The celebration will include remarks by Admiral Mullen and performances by renowned Broadway stars. In the coming days, we will be announcing exciting new additions to the lineup.

They're going fast, and you do not want to miss this event. Get your tickets today. Looking forward to seeing you there!

To purchase tickets, click here. 

09-04-12 By Aubrey Sarvis, Army Veteran & SLDN Executive Director | Comment (0)

Military Medical Standards: Health Care in Serious Need of Reform

Next month we celebrate the first anniversary of the end of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" (DADT). Amidst the joy, one group of patriots has nothing to celebrate. Transgender Americans remain unwanted warriors. Our military medical regulations pertaining to transgender individuals, written almost a half century ago and essentially unchanged since, reflect the same narrow perspective that historically excluded other unwanted groups from military service. Qualified individuals, even those who may differ from the status quo, should be allowed to serve the country they love and contribute to the military's mission.

As medicine is evolving in the 21st century, more emphasis is being placed on medical care based on evidence and implementing the best practices. Unfortunately, our current medical standards are not evidence-based; there is no medical support for a permanent ban on transgender individuals from ever being able to serve. To the contrary, forty years of evidence show that gender reassignment treatment provides positive benefits to individuals, improves their quality of life, and reduces or eliminates their gender dysphoria.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) last week stated that being transgender does not impair one’s “judgment, stability, reliability, or general social or vocational capabilities…” This is something that ten allies, including Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and Israel, have already known for some time. Perhaps more importantly, they also recognize that, in military terms, transgender service members do not harm good order, discipline, and morale simply by being themselves.

The only three articles in the medical literature that address transsexuals in the US military in any manner were written during the Reagan era by then-serving medical officers. They are instructive because they show the true rationale behind the regulations: the real reasons for barring transsexuals were “similar to those excluding homosexuals (effects on unit morale).” George Brown, an Air Force psychiatrist, writing in 1989 was also as stark in his assessment of the situation:

[There] is a clear message that the military environment will not tolerate identified transsexuals in its ranks, irrespective of the quality of duty performance. [Emphasis added – Doesn’t this sound familiar?] Transsexualism continues to be viewed as a nonmedical defect requiring administrative separation, analogous to cases of homosexuality . . . in spite of ample medical evidence to the contrary.

In 2012, nothing has changed in the military.

However the world is rapidly changing and it is time for the military to catch up. There is a worldwide recognized standard of care established by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) - one the military refuses to accept despite its acceptance in 2008 by the American Medical Association (AMA). (Dr. Brown, mentioned above, serves on the WPATH board of directors.) The recent statement by the APA condemning discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals specifically cited the military’s policy in justifying its stance.

Adding further momentum for change in the military’s medical standards is the reported forthcoming change to the APA’s Diagnostic and Statistics Manual (DSM). The fifth version will remove gender identity disorder and remove the stigma of mental illness from those who are gender non-conforming in a similar manner as it did in 1973 when it removed homosexuality as a mental disease. Gender dysphoria, the condition which is treated by gender reassignment, will remain. The APA, AMA, and WPATH also call for the proper access to treatment for gender dysphoria – now denied to military members and veterans. (The law barring the VA from providing gender reassignment surgery is a cynical basis for the military’s process of administratively discharging transgender members with gender dysphoria rather than medically discharging them.)

Admiral Mike Mullen, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated repeal of DADT was a matter of integrity. The military’s use of medical regulations to bar transgender service, not for medical reasons but for unsubstantiated concerns about good order and morale, is no less an affront to the Core Values. It is time to admit that the medical standards completely barring all transgender service are nothing more than an echo of the same prejudices and pretextual arguments familiar from the DADT fight. The APA's welcome step forward gives us an opportunity to review our standards, ensuring they are evidence-based, reflecting the best medical practices, supporting the health care our men and women in uniform deserve, and providing for the best fighting force our nation can produce.

08-21-12 By Paula M. Neira RN, CEN, Esq. - Lieutenant, United States Navy / Naval Reserve (1985-1991) | Comment (0)

This One’s For Mel!

A little more than a year ago, a call came in to SLDN's legal hotline. On the other end was Melvin Dwork. 89 years old at the time. A World War II veteran.

You see, Mel needed a new hearing aid and some other medical services, and when he went to the Department of Veterans Affairs to apply, he was denied. The reason? He had been discharged for being gay in 1944, with a the characterization, "undesirable." An American patriot deemed unfit to serve by our military. Mel knew that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was about to be repealed and he wanted to make one last attempt - he had been trying for more than 50 years - to right this decades-old wrong.

At SLDN, we went immediately to work on Mel's case, and last September, just as DADT was being pushed into the dustbin of history, Mel received justice - an honorable discharge retroactive to 1944. This meant that he would be eligible for VA services, and perhaps just as important, a significant measure of dignity would be restored to his service in our military.

On September 18, Mel will join us aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum in New York City for a celebration marking the one-year anniversary of the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." In many ways, this event is for Mel - and for the countless others who served in silence or whose dreams of wearing our nation's uniform were sidelined altogether because they were gay. It's also for all those now serving openly - and all who will in the future - without the fear of losing their careers simply for being who they are.

We need you there with us that night to pay tribute to Mel and to all these brave patriots. Admiral Mike Mullen, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will be there with us, and you will have an opportunity to thank him personally for his leadership. You don't want to miss this historic night.

Get your tickets today, and be a part of history with us!

08-20-12 By David McKean, SLDN Legal Director | Comment (0)

Patrick Murphy: Join Me to Celebrate One Year of DADT Repeal!

Two years ago we were in the fight of our lives.

We were scrambling to lock down the votes needed to repeal the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law. As the author of the House bill, I can tell you that no legislative battle was harder fought and no victory more satisfying.

Our work changed lives. It strengthened our military. It honored the brave gay and lesbian patriots, who could finally serve the country they love without hiding who they are.

We know there is more work to be done before we achieve full LGBT equality in the military, but it’s important that we pause to celebrate our historic accomplishment.

That's why I am excited to be on the host committee for "Celebrating Our Heroes," which will take place aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City to mark the one-year anniversary of DADT repeal. There, we will honor ALL service members and veterans, and pay tribute to someone who helped pave the way for our victory, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen. As you know, his testimony about living a life of integrity was a powerful tipping point. I want you to be there with me to honor him and celebrate.

We expect more than 1,000 service members and veterans - gay and straight - and their civilian supporters and families to be on board the ship that evening. This is a great opportunity for us to show our support for gay and lesbian service members, who may now serve openly in our armed forces - and for all service members and veterans as we pay tribute to Admiral Mullen.

Don't let this historic opportunity pass you by. Join me in New York City on September 18th! We're going to have a great time!

Click here to purchase your tickets and attend.

Follow Patrick Murphy on Twitter @PatrickMurphyPA.  

08-10-12 By Patrick J. Murphy, CPT, 82nd ABN, Iraq, 2003-2004 | Comment (0)

Order Your Signed Copy of “Our Time” Today!

Last year, just after repeal of the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) law, OutServe co-founder and co-director, Josh Seefried, edited and released a book of essays from gay and lesbian service members and veterans who lived through these dark days in our history. In the book, Our Time, these brave patriots write of joining the military, knowing they would be forced to bury an integral part of themselves. Yet, they each joined because of a deep belief that the values of the military were worth the tremendous sacrifice.

Now, this intimate portrayal of their experiences is about to become available in paperback, updated with a new Afterword by Josh, and this is your chance to receive a signed copy of the book as soon as it's released to the public on August 28.

Make a contribution of at least $30 in the next 7 days to SLDN and your copy will be mailed to you on the day it is released.

Throughout the book, we are reminded of the bravery and selflessness of the men and women who chose to serve our country and defend our liberties while their own freedom was withheld. It's a testament to the wrongs of the policy and a celebration of the good that endured in spite of it. We are in a new era of open service, but let us not forget what it was like for those who went before us. This book is their story.

Reserve your signed copy today with a contribution of at least $30 to SLDN. 

08-09-12 By Aubrey Sarvis, Army Veteran & SLDN Executive Director | Comment (0)

‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Repeal Re-Visited As Anniversary Draws Near

By HuffPost Live (VIDEO)

It's been almost a year since the controversial repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" -- so what happens now?

That's the question asked on this great new segment from HuffPost Live. Joining us from across the nation for the intimate chat are Darrin Brunstad in Idaho, Sue Felton in New Jersey, Aharon Weintraub in Kentucky, Michael Holtz in Virginia and Tania Dunbar and her wife "It's impossible to describe how your life can change overnight literally," Brunstad says. "The day before [the repeal] we were all still hiding. We knew it was coming, but we didn't really believe that it would actually happen."

To read the entire article click here

08-08-12 By http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/04/dont-ask-dont-tell-repeal-anniversary-huffpost-live_n_1741885.html | Comment (0)

SLDN on the Road: American Bar Association Annual Conference

The American Bar Association held its annual meeting in Chicago this past weekend, and LGBT military service was on the agenda. The Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) hosted a panel entitled “LGBT Service Members and the Armed Forces One Year After Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The discussion was ably moderated by Vermont Law School Professor Jackie Gardina, and I was privileged to sit on the panel with former Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA), SLDN client Major Shannon McLaughlin, and the Family Equality Council’s Denise Brogan-Kator.

The panel was designed to take a look back at how DADT repeal came to pass, but also take stock of the remaining issues left to resolve before LGBT service members have true military equality. Rep. Murphy provided the insightful look back, recounting the nuts and bolts maneuvering that allowed for final passage of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010. Major McLaughlin provided an on-the-ground assessment of repeal’s implementation, while we both addressed what remains to be done for gay and lesbian service members to serve equally, including marriage recognition and benefits parity and access to the Military Equal Opportunity program. Ms. Brogan-Kator, a former Navy submariner, talked about the remaining bar on transgender service and possible paths forward.

Overall it was a wonderful panel and led to a fruitful discussion with questions from the audience. As we continue to advocate for full equality for LGBT service members, panels and discussions like this continue to be one of the most productive places to connect with the public, formulate ideas and get feedback. Thank you to the SOGI and the ABA for making it possible.

08-06-12 By David McKean, SLDN Legal Director | Comment (0)

GUEST BLOG: Diversity at Mission Readiness Conference

Earlier the month, I was one of three panelists at a Mission Readiness Conference in Oakland, California. The organization called for enhanced summer school and physical fitness programs in the state’s public education. The event was reported on San Francisco Bay Area TV and radio stations.

Mission Readiness is a coalition of 250 retired generals and admirals who support policies and investments that is will assist young Americans to succeed in school and join the military if they wish to do so. The organization is based in Washington, DC.

The coalition's research indicates that nearly 1 in 4 young California adults of military age cannot meet enlistment requirements in America’s armed forces. Nearly 38% have unhealthy weight or are obese; 36% have poor aerobic capacity; and 23% have poor upper body strength. The officers on the panel called for additional physical education in California schools and more funding for remedial academic summer programs to enable youthful applicants to qualify for enlistment.

Although unintentional, the composition of the group of officers demonstrated the increasing diversity of America’s military leaders, including LGBT personnel. The other retired panelists included Major General Paul Monroe, who is African-American and who headed California’s National Guard.  It also included Rear Admiral Will Rodriquez, a leader and advocate for the Hispanic community in the sea services.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Brigadier General Keith Kerr is a member of SLDN's Military Advisory Council. He came out in the New York Times on the tenth anniversary of the passage of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and has been a tireless advocate for LGBT military service. For a full bio, click here. 

07-30-12 By BG Keith Kerr, CSMR (Retired) | Comment (0)

UPDATED: SLDN & OutServe Issue Uniform Guidance for San Diego Pride Parade

San Diego Pride is this weekend, and for military members participating in the parade, there is a significant degree of confusion surrounding whether service members may wear their uniforms while marching. A service member may not march during the pride parade in uniform unless he or she has received individual approval from his or her command. For more detail, OutServe and SLDN have issued guidance on uniforms at pride.

The confusion seems to have started when San Diego LGBT Pride, the organization responsible for the parade, issued a news release saying that "active duty servicemembers have received approval from the Office of the Secretary of Defense and their commanding officers to march in the America’s Pride Parade Military Contingent while wearing their uniforms." Several service members had received such approval, but no blanket approval covering the San Diego Pride parade was ever issued. The ambiguity in the press release is made clear on the organization's website where military members sign up to march, where the requirement to get pre-approval is explicit.

But a Navy official in San Diego, responding to the confusion, issued a statement saying that the San Diego Pride's press release "is not accurate. There is no such authorization [to wear uniforms while marching] for this parade."

The bottom line, as stated above, is this: it is the responsibility of each service member who wishes to wear a military uniform to pride to obtain individual command approval for doing so.

UPDATE: July 19, 2012, 2:30 p.m. EDT

It has been reported that the Navy (and the Navy only) has given permission to sailors to march in the parade in uniform. According to San Diego Gay and Lesbian News, Navy spokesperson Brian O'Rourke said that "sailors can march in the Pride Parade in their uniforms but are reminded to obey all Navy and military regulations prohibiting such things as participation in political activities or protests."

It would seem, then, that the Navy has provided blanket approval for sailors to march in uniforms. For members of all other services (including the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard), yesterday's guidance continues to hold true: it is the responsibility of each service member who wishes to wear a military uniform to pride to obtain individual command approval for doing so.

UPDATE: July 19, 2012, 5:20 p.m.

The guidance covering the San Diego Pride parade's military contingent continues to change. 

Finally, the Department of Defense has spoken. In a memorandum from the office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Community and Public Outreach, the DoD says the following:

"we hereby are granting approval for service members in uniform to participate in this year's parade, provided service members (1) participate in their personal capacity and (2) ensure the adherence to Military Service standards of appearance and wear of the military uniform. This approval is applicable for individual participation in the 2012 San Diego Pride Parade only."

This means that anyone serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or National Guard may wear their uniform to march in the San Diego Pride parade's military contingent, providing they adhere to all other service regulations governing conduct.

07-19-12 By David McKean, SLDN Legal Director | Comment (0)