Latest News
Mullen Event in NYC to Kick Off National Celebration of DADT Repeal Anniversary
For immediate release: August 1, 2012
Contact: Zeke Stokes at (202) 621-5406 or zeke@sldn.org
SLDN, OutServe release online toolkit to allow supporters to join DADT Repeal Anniversary Celebration
(Washington, DC) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and OutServe, the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel, today launched an online toolkit that will allow supporters across the country and around the world to join the one-year anniversary celebration of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT). The festivities will kick off in New York City on Tuesday, September 18 with a flagship event aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum that will feature retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen. Repeal of DADT took place on September 20, 2011.
"This anniversary presents a unique opportunity to honor all service members and veterans and celebrate the fact that gay and lesbian service members may now serve openly without the daily fear of losing their careers. While we know there is more work to be done before full LGBT military equality is achieved, it’s important that we pause to pay tribute to how far we have come - and to those who have helped us get here,” said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
Among those is Admiral Mullen, who played a pivotal role in the repeal of DADT with his testimony on Capitol Hill in February 2010. He will be honored at the New York City event, which will begin with a VIP reception at 5:30 p.m. The general admission event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude at 9:30 p.m. Corporate sponsors of the event include: UBS, Verizon, BNY Mellon, GlaxoSmithKline, DiversityInc, Winston & Strawn LLP, Viacom, Citigroup, Ernst & Young, Merck, Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP, and the Interbank Roundtable Committee. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.sldn.org/intrepid2012.
Those organizing their own events to celebrate the repeal anniversary are able to do so using the online tool at www.sldn.org/HostResources. Using the site, supporters may create and manage their events completely via the web, as well as download and print materials for use before and during their events. Hosts are encouraged to schedule their events during the national celebration window, September 18-23, 2012.
“We hope this online kit will give supporters what they need to be a part of this historic day. So, even if they can’t be with us in New York City, they will be able to host and join celebrations in their own communities – whether it’s in their home, at a community center, or in a local bar during the week of repeal,” said Josh Seefried, co-director of OutServe.
The site will be updated regularly as new events are added.
ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100.
ABOUT OUTSERVE: OutServe is the association of actively-serving LGBT military personnel. With more than 5,500 members and 50+ chapters worldwide, it is one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in the world. OutServe works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity.
