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Murphy to Headline DADT Repeal Day Celebration in Philadelphia on September 20

For immediate release:
Thursday, August 25, 2011

Contact: 
Zeke Stokes: (803) 479-0439 (cell) / (202) 621-5406 (office) or zeke@sldn.org 
Paul DeMiglio: (202) 621-5408 (office) or paul@sldn.org

Murphy to Headline “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal Day Celebration in Philadelphia on September 20 
SLDN, Equality PA, Chatterblast Media, Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar Will Co-host Event

(Philadelphia, PA)  Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and Equality Pennsylvania today announced the details for Philadelphia’s official “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) Repeal Day celebration to take place when the law officially expires on September 20, 2011.  Former Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA), who championed repeal while in Congress, will deliver remarks during the event.

“The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is an important milestone along the journey to achieving LGBT equality in America’s military.  September 20 will be an historic day for our service members and, indeed, our nation.  Through the events taking place across the country, we will pay tribute to their service and sacrifice as we look forward to this new era of military service – an era that honors the contributions of all qualified Americans who wish to serve,” said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.

"Following the final repeal of DADT, thousands of gay, lesbian and bisexual Pennsylvanians will be able to serve their country in the military without lying about who they are. A bipartisan group of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation supported the repeal, proving once again that our civil rights are not a Democrat or a Republican issue. We look forward to this same bipartisanship in ending more dark chapters in Pennsylvania and US history,"
said Ted Martin, Executive Director of Equality Pennsylvania.

What:                   
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal Celebration Happy Hour

Hosted by:

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (www.sldn.org)
Equality Pennsylvania (www.equalitypa.org)
Chatterblast Media (www.chatterblast.com)
Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar (www.tabuphilly.com)

When:                  
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 - 5 until 7 p.m.

Where:                                
Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar
200 S. 12th Street, Philadephia

Admission is free.  Contributions to SLDN and Equality PA will be accepted at the event but are not required for attendance.  The media is invited to attend and cover the event.               

A flagship event is scheduled in Washington D.C., accompanied by supporter-created events throughout the country.  An online tool kit that supporters may use to manage their events is found atwww.sldn.org/HostResources.  

Sarvis reiterated that SLDN will continue its fight for full equality for LGB troops who are serving today, as well as for those qualified Americans who wish to join, after the repeal of DADT takes place on September 20, 2011.

“The work of advancing military equality marches forward after repeal. At SLDN, we will fight alongside those who may face harassment or discrimination as we oversee implementation; when necessary and timely, litigate in the courts to bring about full LGBT equality in America’s military; advocate for legally married service members to receive the same benefits as their straight counterparts; and assist veterans to correct or upgrade their discharge paperwork,” said Sarvis.

STILL AT RISK: Despite the certification issued July 22, 2011, it is still unsafe for service members to come out until September 20, 2011, when repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will become final. Click hereto read our warning to service members.

SLDN FREE HOTLINE: 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 SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) was established in 1993. In addition to working on repeal, SLDN offers free, confidential legal services to those impacted by the discriminatory law. We have received more than 11,000 calls for assistance to our legal hotline.

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