OutServe-SLDN Hails Enrollment Day

Washington, DC – Tuesday marks a milestone for LGBT service members and our families as the process of issuing ID cards and enrolling dependents in military benefit programs begins. This step removes significant barriers to service and financial hardship for military families. The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have approached implementation very carefully and we anticipate very few, if any, major problems. Read More

Statement from the Board of Directors to OutServe-SLDN Members, Families, and Supporters

Washington, DC – The OS-SLDN Board and staff are in the process of transforming the organization from primarily a legal services organization into a membership services and advocacy organization. This not only includes revising our business model to operate effectively … Read More

Allyson Robinson’s Statement to OS-SLDN Members, Families and Supporters

This weekend’s events were most unfortunate and deeply troubling for many of us, but for my part, as from the beginning of my tenure with this organization, I am fully and firmly committed to our LGBT service members, veterans, and their families and to their fight for equality. For that reason, and to honor those who’ve shared those values with me, it is my intent to continue to lead OutServe-SLDN in the near term as we approach an historic moment for our community and our country. After that, at a date to be determined, I have decided of my own accord to step down, and will work with our members to ensure an orderly transition to the next phase of this organization’s life. Read More

War Journal: A Year in Afghanistan

By Col. Ginger Wallace, USAF

As I reflect on the past year I spent in Afghanistan, I am so thankful for having both an incredible experience and a partner who supports me. I deployed as part of the Afghanistan/Pakistan Hands (AFPAK Hands) program and worked with Afghans on the implementation of their peace and reintegration program. For me, it was a challenging but rewarding year. For my partner, Kathy, it was a year of uncertainty and worry. We both worked hard to consistently communicate and be there for one other, even though we were thousands of miles apart. Read More

LGB Service Members to Ring NYSE Closing Bell

LGB Service Members Set to Ring New York Stock Exchange Closing Bell June 28

OutServe-SLDN NYC Pride Kickoff Happy Hour will follow historic Wall Street closing ceremony

(New York, NY) – OutServe-SLDN announced today that the co-chair of its board of directors, Air Force Officer Josh Seefried, who co-founded the OutServe network in 2010, will join actively serving gay and lesbian service members for an historic Closing Bell ceremony on Friday, June 28. The afternoon will begin with a panel discussion before the group rings the closing bell to end the New York Stock Exchange’s trading day. The Wall Street events will be followed by a Happy Hour to kick off New York City Pride Weekend. Read More

USS Arlington: A Mission Full of Memories

BY  IT1(SW/AW) Christopher Hooper, OutServe-SLDN Virginia Chapter Leader

For the past 18 months I have been stationed onboard Pre-Commissioning Detachment/Unit USS ARLINGTON (LPD 24). I used to be one of those people who took U.S. Navy ships for granted. Get orders, go to a new command—for the most part it seems simple. However, for me it has not been so simple. Read More

Capital Pride Announces Brig. Gen. Tammy Smith as One of the Grand Marshals of the 2013 Pride Parade

WASHINGTON, DC – Capital Pride is pleased to announce that Brigadier General Tammy S. Smith, United States Army Reserve, will be one of the Capital Pride Parade’s Grand Marshals when it steps off on Saturday, June 8. She joins Lynda Carter, who was announced last week as the Parade’s Super Grand Marshal. Tammy Smith made history in August 2012 when her wife, Tracey Hepner, placed a General’s star on her shoulder. With that simple act, Smith became the first openly gay or lesbian flag officer to serve in the United States military. Her promotion occurred less than one year after the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” Read More

Meet the Evans-Nethers Family

As we move forward in our fight for full equality in our military, it is important to put faces with names and share the stories of the families being affected by the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Our military families are important to us all, as they are the backbone of support to the service member serving to ensure our rights and freedom. OutServe Magazine first met Zachary Evans-Nethers when he volunteered to be on our staff. His ability to manage family life, a full-time job, and volunteer for us, all while pursuing a doctoral degree, amazed us! Zachary is a Captain in the U.S. Army and is married to Marshall. They have two beautiful daughters, Taylor, 11, and Emma, 6, and an adorable dog named Marley. We thank you for your dedication and service! Read More

Service to Country, Service to Family

By Capt. Matthew Phelps, USMC

As members of the military know, a single year will often be packed with changes that most civilians can’t begin to imagine. Deployments, transfers, duty assignments, and even colleagues change for us with a regularity that would make the average person’s head spin. We are conditioned to accept change as a constant, and although we can become accustomed to it, our families often bear the burden of keeping the pace. Read More

Finding My Voice

When I joined the Air Force, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) remained in effect, if only for a little while. I was jubilant when I heard that Congress had lifted the policy as I waited in line to receive my rifle one morning. At that exact moment, I recall hearing a Sergeant, who I looked up to, mutter under his breath just loud enough for the rest of us to hear, “fucking faggots,” as he stormed past the clearing barrel. In this moment I fully understood that although DADT was gone, there was much work to be done. And as a brand new Airman, I remained silent. I even felt the need to express my own dissatisfaction with the repeal of the law to avoid hostile retribution. Read More