Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

On June 14, the GLBT Historical Society in San Francisco will open its new exhibit, "Out Ranks," the nation’s first historical exhibit on the experiences of gays in the military.

“Out Ranks” tracks changes in military policy and conveys the stories of GLBT veterans and peace activists from WWII to Iraq . Almost 70 years of history is told through hundreds of letters, photographs, medals, uniforms, and video footage. The opening reception on Thursday, June 14th is free and open to the public from 6pm-8pm in the GLBT Historical Society’s main gallery at 657 Mission Street , 3rd Floor.

The “Out Ranks” exhibit follows two related timelines, running from 1941 to the present. One timeline tracks American military conflicts from WWII to Iraq , focusing on the roles of GLBT personnel. The other timeline charts the evolution of the ban on openly gay service personnel. The two timelines meet in the center of the exhibit in the present time as GLBT service personnel fight their rights even as they defend our country in both the military and peace movements.

Visitors to the exhibit are encouraged to walk between the timelines to explore when policies on gays in the military change and why, when and why discharges of GLBT servicemembers rise and fall, how social and political issues (such as AIDS, marriage, homophobia, and privacy) affect the military debate and how military service has affected the gay rights movement over time.

SLDN is proud to support the "Out Ranks" exhibit, which also features a profile of SLDN advisory board member Vince Patton, retired Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.

For more information, visit the GLBT Historical Society online.

- Steve Ralls