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SLDN and The Abbey Team Up September 20 for Historic Celebration

For immediate release:
Friday, September 9, 2011

Contact:
Zeke Stokes: (202) 834-9048 (cell) / (202) 621-5406 (office) or zeke@sldn.org
Paul DeMiglio: (202) 621-5408 (office) or paul@sldn.org

SLDN and The Abbey Team Up September 20 for Historic Celebration
Event will mark the official end of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Law

(West Hollywood, CA) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and The Abbey Food + Bar, known as “The Best Gay Bar in the World,” today announced the details of an official “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) Repeal Day celebration to take place when the law expires on September 20, 2011.  The Abbey’s founder, David Cooley, will host the event, with additional special guests to be announced at a later date.

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.

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

Hosted by:
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (sldn.org)
The Abbey Food + Bar (sbe.com/abbey)

When:
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 – 6:00 until 9:00 p.m.

Where:
The Abbey Food + Bar
692 North Robertson Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA

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

To view the invitation, go to: http://www.sldn.org/LARepealEvent

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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