Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Back from Netroots, and Back to Work for Equality

While in Minneapolis this weekend, I had the pleasure to represent SLDN and be part of the annual Netroots Nation conference. It was inspiring to not only meet so many folks who fight every day to improve the lives of real people all across our country, but to exchange ideas in the process and connect with other equality advocates too.

I was especially honored to attend the pre-conference meeting of LGBT allies that gave DC activists like me the chance to interact with bloggers who write so effectively on the issue of equality – Pam Spaulding, Zack Ford, and Joe Sudbay, just to name a few.

One highlight of the conference was a session that addressed how the netroots community made a difference in the fight to pass “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) repeal legislation last year. Led in part by my predecessor here at SLDN, Trevor Thomas, the panel discussed how the blogosphere helped propel this issue to the forefront of the public debate in a way that made it impossible for the mainstream media to ignore – building momentum for repeal at a critical time.

To watch the session, click here.

Thanks to everyone who made the conference possible. I’m already looking forward to Providence, RI in 2012!

06-20-11 By Zeke Stokes, SLDN Director of Communications |