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SLDN Statement on the Passing of Board Member David Guy-Gainer of Texas
For immediate release: Friday, February 3, 2012
Contact: Zeke Stokes at (202) 621-5406 or zeke@sldn.org
(WASHINGTON, DC) Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis today released the following statement regarding the death of David Guy-Gainer, CMSgt, USAF (Ret.), of Texas, a member of SLDN's board of directors and longtime advocate for the repeal of the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) law:
"David Guy-Gainer's death is a crushing and heartbreaking loss for his husband David, his family, for so many loved ones, and for our LGBT community. Dave was a big and wonderful guy with a huge heart. He gave much more than just his time and money; he gave of himself, putting all his energies into the people and causes he cared about. The SLDN board, Military Advisory Council, and staff are all deeply saddened by Dave's death, but we will always cherish his invaluable contributions - including the many times he came to Washington to lobby for DADT repeal and the pride he took in speaking up against discrimination of LGBT people. Dave was simply determined and dedicated to make things better for the next generation, and he did. I am grateful Dave got to see the end of DADT and was able to cheer on proud, young service men and women serving openly without fear of being fired by their country because of who they are," said Sarvis.
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 SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,000 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org.
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.
