Honor Every Veteran
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It's time to HONOR EVERY VETERAN.
One million lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans have served in our armed forces. Yet, the Pentagon fires two people every day for being gay. Join Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and help end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
The HONOR EVERY VETERAN campaign is a national outreach, education, and visibility effort to publicly honor the service of the more than one million lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) American Veterans over the Veterans Day holiday weekend.
LGBT service members have served in every conflict since the American Revolution. Since World War II, however, our government has discharged more than 115,000 brave American service members who had been willing to die for our liberty, even while denied their own because of who they are. They have important, and inspiring, stories to share. Their voices pave the path to freedom.
Discrimination under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" knows no age, gender, race, or class.
- Women are discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" at a rate twice their presence in the armed forces.
- Young men, aged 18 to 25, are at an especially high risk for anti-gay harassment, death threats, and violence.
- The vast majority of those fired under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" earn just $12,000 - $20,000 annually, many losing college benefits.
The freedom to serve means the freedom to be proud of who you are, and your service to our nation.
Bigotry undermines military readiness. Service members should be able to live honestly, not asked to deceive in an effort to uphold law. One day, COngress will repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." SLDN has the vision to make that day, and our freedom to serve, a reality.
When "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" falls, one of the last great obstacles to full equality for LGBT Americans will be gone. Our victory not only ensures progress in the armed forces, but also ensures progress in the nation. With your help, our continued progress is inevitable.
Through a series of outreach and communications programs, SLDN is increasing the visibility of LGBT service members and veterans.
Goals For Freedom.
- Lift the ban preventing lesbians, gays, and bisexuals from serving openly and honestly in the military.
- Provide free legal services to service members harmed by "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and related, discriminatory policies.
- Protect service members from harassment based on perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Advocate for policies and practices that improve the lives of service members.
- Support service member and veteran pride as LGBT persons.
A Mission.
SLDN is a national, non-profit legal services, watchdog, and policy organization dedicated to ending discrimination against and harassment of military personnel affected by "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and related forms of intolerance.
A Vision.
FREEDOM TO SERVE
Every Day we work to lift the ban. Join us.
