Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Aubrey’s October 1st Message

Dear SLDN Supporter, Today, I officially begin my work as SLDN’s new executive director. I am incredibly proud and excited to be joining this organization’s terrific staff in their work to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” I am also grateful to each of you for continuing to support SLDN’s critical work to repeal this law. SLDN has already made historic progress in its work to allow LGBT Americans the opportunity to serve in our armed forces. Legislation repealing the ban is before Congress; editorial boards across the country are calling for an end to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”; and a growing community of grassroot supporters is rallying the public to support open service. Yet, in spite of all the progress we have made, there is still work to be done and we need your support, now more than ever. In the next few months we will face new opportunities and new challenges, but together we will continue to fight and move closer to the day when every American patriot can serve our country regardless of sexual identity. Since it first opened its doors, SLDN has received more than 8,300 requests for assistance. Our legal services have always been free, and we have never turned away a service member who is being impacted by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Similarly, we have never stopped working – in Congress, at the Pentagon and in our communities – to build support for repealing this law. But those efforts all depend on your continued support and commitment to our cause. We will make history together. Yes, it is a challenge . . . but it is an important one. It is about civil rights . . . simple fairness . . . ending job discrimination . . . and repealing our country’s most visible anti-gay law! Join me as I begin my work here at SLDN, in building the strong foundation our amazing staff needs in order to succeed. I am writing my check today, and I ask that you do the same. I count on you, your encouragement and your continued support, as we chart a new course and seize the new opportunities before us. Join Me. Sincerely, Aubrey Sarvis Executive Director -----

10-01-07