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Nye to Headline “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal Day Celebration in Norfolk on September 20

For immediate release:
Thursday, September 8, 2011

Contact:
Zeke Stokes (SLDN): 202/621-5406 or zeke@sldn.org
James Parrish (EV): 804/643.4816 or jparrish@equalityva.org

Nye to Headline “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal Day Celebration in Norfolk on September 20
SLDN, Equality Virginia Will Co-host Event

(Norfolk, VA) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and Equality Virginia (EV) today announced the details of their “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) Repeal Day celebration to take place when the law officially expires on September 20, 2011.

Former Congressman Glenn Nye (VA-2), who supported repeal while in Congress, and Tracy Thorne-Begland, honorably discharged after revealing his sexual orientation on Nightline, 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.

“Now thousands of Virginia's service members will salute the flag knowing, at long last, that our military is as proud of their service as they are proud to serve. We are especially pleased that the majority of our congressional delegation helped make this day possible. With their votes they upheld Virginia's centuries-long tradition of cherishing and supporting our nation's armed forces,” said James Parrish, Executive Director of Equality Virginia.

What:

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal Celebration

Hosted by

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (www.sldn.org)
Equality VA (www.equalityvirginia.org)

When:

Tuesday, September 20, 2011 – 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Where:

Waterside
333 Waterside Drive
Norfolk, VA

Admission is free. Contributions to SLDN and Equality Virginia 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 at www.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.

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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 here to 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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