Dear OutServe Magazine Reader,

I have served in the United States Air Force as a Mental Health Technician for the past four years, and I have worked as a substance abuse counselor for the better part of the last two years. Recently, I was forward-deployed to Afghanistan, where I operated a Combat Stress Clinic. Experience has shown me that most of the people who come into a Mental Health or Combat Stress Clinic do not suffer from a mental disorder, but simply need to be reminded about the basic fundamentals of life, like problems sleeping, communication issues, and adjusting to the military lifestyle. There are many other unique problems out there, and I would love the opportunity to help address them. Visit my facebook page at www.facebook.com/dearsergeant and post a question that you’d like to see answered here.

Sincerely,
Sergeant

—-

Dear Sergeant,

I am in a same-sex relationship right now and I have just received orders to Texas. My main issue is that I am in love with the girl that I am with, and when it becomes legal to marry, I plan to. With the repeal of DADT, should I have her move with me? I mean, its hard enough now to bring her around people I work with because everyone sees that we are together – more than a typical friendship – but I just want her to be a part of all of my life – not half of it.
– Conflicted Lover

Dear Conflicted Lover,

First of all, I would like to wish you the best of luck on your new assignment. While moving can be a stressful experience, try to look at this as a new chapter in your life. Embrace this change and make the most if it. As for the situation with your girlfriend, it is my firm belief that we will do whatever is necessary to stay with those we love. While, as service members, the Defense of Marriage Act prevents our being able to receive the traditional benefits that come along with marriage – such as housing and joint assignments – the repeal should allow you and your girlfriend the ability to live your lives together, without fear.

Talk to her about your current situation and see what her thoughts are. It is fantastic that you are concerned about both of your lifestyles, her happiness, and her willingness to move to Texas with you. Ultimately, however, moving to Texas with you should be her decision. Regardless of the circumstances, I say embrace the decision and make it work. Make this decision about your relationship going to the next level, and not about the fear of repercussions from a deceased policy. Remember: moving in with you is her decision, and her thoughts and feelings are equally as important. Good luck!

Hello & Good Day, Sarge!

Currently, my partner is in the Army. Her next duty station is going to be in Germany. I did some research and learned that I would be able to stay in the country for up to 90 days, at which point, I would have to leave the country for 6 months before returning. Are there any other options for us? We are planning to get married in about three months, but feel that may not be the best decision because of the new orders. It seems so unfair, especially since we have been together for so long. These laws are tough – your advice would be greatly appreciated!
Best Regards,
A. R.

Hello A.R,

I must say, I am saddened to hear about your current situation. I am going to assume that you are not in the military, since you are planning to stay in Germany on a visa. I have done some research on the visa requirements for Germany and talked to a friend of mine who lived in Germany for about 3 and a half years after high school. I think that I have found a pretty good opportunity for you to remain in the country longer than 90 days.

In Germany, Americans are permitted to apply for jobs on American military installations. Look into getting a job on base working in the Commissary or an AAFES facility. You can visit http://odin.aafes.com/employment/ as well as
http://federalgovernmentjobs.us/job-location/germany.html to find available positions on the military installations in Germany. Also, if you have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, you may even be able to snag a Government Services (GS) or contracting job available in the area. Having a job in the country will allow you to apply for a working visa, and having a government job will solidify your stay in Germany.

As far as your relationship and future marriage goes, I don’t think that I have to tell you that circumstances in the military are changing rapidly at the moment. We all hope that in the very near future we will see a world where our partners are recognized as military spouses and are entitled to the same benefits given to those of heterosexual couples. Do what you both think is best in this situation. I truly believe that with enough determination, we will do whatever it takes to make it work, regardless of the circumstances. Best of luck!

“Pride” means many things to each of us: happiness at what we’ve accomplished as a repressed group of people, or admiration at those who have gone before us and trailblazed a path toward full equality. When some of us hear the word ‘Pride’, however, our minds might be filled with images of rainbow flags, parades, glitter, and kittens. We might think of parties with our friends or dancing in the streets, kissing the person we love — in full view of the world … and, for those few days of a typical “pride” celebration, those of us who have spent (or still spend) the majority of our time in the closet feel free — free to just be.

But ‘pride’, to me, is so much more than the party, or even a generic feeling of admiration on our accomplishments thus far. Especially this year, with the dynamic changes in our society’s perception of LGBT people, and the repeal of DADT, ‘Pride’ means so much more. This year, ‘pride’ is about freedom to be open and honest — all year long. It’s about holding your partner’s hand at the mall (if anyone still shops in a mall!) … kissing that person at dinner in a restaurant outside of the Castro, Hillcrest or 4th Street … it’s about changing your relationship status on your main page, not just your gay page.

Without a doubt, ‘pride’ is personal. Each person’s decision to be open, honest, and genuine with his or her family and friends is a tough choice, and is often not without consequence. Each person’s way of expressing his or her own ‘pride’ is unique, challenging, and beautiful. For instance, one of my goals this year as I continue my ‘coming out’ journey is to live a truer, more genuine life. “True” and “genuine” means being honest first with myself, because only then can I be honest with others.

‘Pride’ is also societal, even cultural — much bigger than the individual. In our unique military culture, ‘pride’ is about recognizing individuals for their contributions to the organization, without regard for their sexual orientation. ‘Pride’ is having the courage to stand up for what is right, to be strong enough to face discrimination, hate, and ignorance head-on. ‘Pride’, for LGBT service members, is the ability to finally answer — openly — the question of love; even if it’s only to those we trust the most — be that a roommate, a colleague, a trusted officer or an NCO confidant. Having ‘pride’, this year, means living without fear.

Our “family” watched with pride this past year as the true nature of our nation shone through the darkness of ignorance and bigotry. We’ve seen the polls gradually slide from unsupportive, to apathetic, to openly supportive of our freedom to serve freely, proudly, with integrity. We’ve seen politicians — both Democrat and Republican — shift their stance on gay rights and tolerance. We have watched in tears as our Commander-in-Chief signed into law legislation which allows us to finally be honest with the world while simultaneously serving the country we love so much. ‘Pride’, it seems, is about being proud to be an American again.

As I reflect on my own journey towards honesty and openness, I cannot help but think about some of the decisions I have made that have hindered my journey. I find myself occasionally questioning choices along the way, some of which have led to me to hurt those I loved the most. I sometimes second-guess my choices and wonder if I made the right ones. In the end, however, I look back with ‘pride’ at my own growth as a person — and as a service member. I think of how drastically different my life would have been had I made different life choices long ago, and how insignificant my contributions to my country would have been. With all of my regrets (and I have many), I have come to realize that my choices made me who I am today. Without the experiences subsequent to those decisions, I would not be the same person.

As Jane Austen so eloquently told us, “vanity and pride are different things.” This is an important distinction as we move forward in our marathon journey towards openness and equality. As frustrating as being patient can be, especially in the presence of those who do not understand or wish to understand, our duty is to educate those with whom we live and serve. Our duty is to be proud, but not vain. Our duty is to be respectful, loving, kind, and understanding while our society matures around us. Take care not to confuse patience with weakness or apathy. We must be strong and deliberate when necessary to ensure that the progress made by both our generation and those who came before us was not for naught. In our fight for what is just, and true, and fair, we must remain mindful of how far we have come, and we must keep our eye on the ultimate prize. ‘Pride’ is not only our goal, ‘pride’ is also our means of achieving it.

—
“N” joined the Marine Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant infantry officer in 2003. Currently a Captain, he is stationed in California.

Now that DADT no longer looms over America’s military, many of its troops now face a new, and equally difficult challenge: the process of coming out. The stresses and uncertainty of how people will react can be paralyzing, especially if you really care about the person you are telling.

For me, coming out to my parents was one of the hardest challenges I have had to face. While the possibility of them not accepting me for who I am was terrifying, I knew I couldn’t continue to hide from them. I toyed around with the idea for a while, and can vividly recall sitting on the couch at my friend Derek’s house this past January. We had a deep and philosophical discussion about being gay and in the military, and after hearing about how he came out to his parents, my mind was made up. The next time I saw my Mom and Dad, I was going to tell them.

Coming out, I firmly believe, is part art and part science…over the next few months, I deliberated on the logistics of the matter. First off, I decided to tell them face to face. No other means of communicating the message seemed adequate or respectful enough. I knew my parents would have questions to which I owed an answer on the spot – no phone call or handwritten letter would do.

The next decision I had to make was a matter of syntax. I needed to find the right words, which turned out to be easier said than done. I was worried about there being too much build-up. If I danced around the subject too long I feared the conversation would either get sidetracked and I would whimp out, or they would assume something was seriously wrong. Is our son in trouble? Is he dropping out of the military? Is he getting deployed somewhere dangerous? I didn’t want to do that to them.

For the next two months, I practiced telling them. In the aviation community, we call this “chair-flying”, and I did a lot of it. I found myself practicing whenever I was alone. On more than one occasion, I’m sure I was that crazy person carrying on an imaginary conversation from across the traffic light.

After work one Friday, I made the six hour drive home. That night, I went out to dinner with my parents, and afterwards, met up with some of my best friends from high school. I told my buddy Mike, who is also gay and out to his parents, what I was up to. As he gave me a huge hug and told me how proud he was, I made him promise to not let me chicken out.

Even though I could barely sleep that night, the next day seemed to come all too quickly. Just as I had planned, I took them to lunch, went shopping with my dear, sweet mother, and spent the day with them. Call it “buttering them up,” but I wanted to remind my parents of how much I love them … and in the event of that worst case scenario, I could have one last, great day together with Mom and Dad.

As soon as we got back to the house, I told them I needed to talk to them about something. Before my parents could scatter about their Saturday business, I brought them into the family room and let them get comfortable. At long last, the “chair-flying” paid off and the words came out flawlessly:

“Mom, Dad, I’m tired of hiding a big part of my life and not being entirely honest with you. I’m gay.”

I knew at some point they would have something to say, so I paused there to give them a chance to speak. I think they were still too shell-shocked at this point to say anything, so I continued on.

We talked for the next two hours, I continued to tell them how being gay was no big deal and that my relationship with them was unchanged. I still loved them, still wanted to get married and adopt a kid or two, and was still the same son they did such a good job of raising.

The conversation ended with a big hug between the three of us. I decided to give them some alone time to talk without me. I left the house for a few hours, and my mother said she has never seen my father cry so hard. Initially, it was hard on them … but I must say, I’m impressed at the courage they displayed as they promised to support me – no matter what.

Unfortunately not every coming out story will have a happy ending like mine. Call me old fashioned, but I firmly believe having support back on the home front is important to doing a good job in the military. Why fight if there is nothing at home worth fighting for? I am lucky to have such great parents, and am glad I could be there for them through this whole ordeal. They mean the world to me, and I know we have grown stronger as they have taken on the role of the parents of a gay son, and airman.

—
Karl B. Johnson is an Air Force C-17 pilot who has been serving on active duty since 2008.

Miller: So what have you been up to these days?
Clinton: Well, last night I attended a dinner for the National Center for Lesbian Rights. They do such great work, and since it was the night the world supposed to end [I interviewed Kate the morning following “the rapture”], I figured I couldn’t be in a better place. It’s literally full with crazed younger women. I am also busy on tour, as I just released my new CD, Lady HAHA.

Miller: Thank you for your column about “Chief”, a lesbian in the Coast Guard. Could you talk a little more about how you met and how you kept correspondence with her over the years?
Clinton: In 1984, I was signing albums after a performance in DC, and a woman came up to me and said, “If I’m seen here, I could be court martialed.” Then I looked at her, and we talked more, and she explained being in the military as a gay woman. I jokingly responded, “well, I’ll see you in court.” That was the start of a 26 year friendship. The first ten years of our correspondence, she was involved in Haitian refugee rescues, getting blankets, food, and taking them to Guantanamo. She had written stories to me regularly. Keep in mind, this was before Internet, so her letters were written on a typewriter, single-space, and she would go on for pages and pages. I saved every one of them, and I always had the sense
that the kind of writing she was doing was keeping her alive, keeping her sane. It was like getting dispatches from the belly of the beast. I wrote back, but I never knew where the letters went or how they got to her. She was stationed in Portsmith, and then she became a chief warrant officer, and she retired 5 or 6 years ago. I had all her letters, so I compiled them and gave them to her as a retirement gift, and said, “this is your book.”

Miller: So when people talk about gays and lesbians in the military, they‘re usually talking about those who were forced out or kicked out by the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. But a vast majority – like me, who voluntarily resigned from West Point – either decided to stay in or to leave on their own accord. Did Chief ever talk about her decision to stay in, despite DADT?
Clinton: Chief always wanted to be in the Coast Guard. She was raised on the Finger Lakes, and she always said, “I just love the water.” I knew she was torn between being able to be herself and her love of the water. But she really loved the Coast Guard and loved to serve, and that’s why she stayed in as long as she did. Me being an LGBT activist, I’m sure she felt pressured by me to come out, like it was her responsibility or something as a lesbian. But she was the kind who believed she could make a difference just by being there and being a good leader. And that was something I really admired about her.

Miller: Every lesbian in the world is a fan of The L Word, where you guest starred as a therapist who wore a clown nose. What was is like being on the set? Who was your favorite character?
Clinton: I liked to tell people that Shane was based on me [Laughter].

Miller: Don’t we all? [Shane is the untamable heartthrob.]
Clinton: Really? I would have pegged you for a Tasha [a lesbian character in the Army]. I knew Ilene Chaiken, the creator of the L Word. I told her that if she needed someone to fill a part, let me know. I get this call, “Ilene has this great part for you. Can you come in tomorrow?” So I flew across the country the next day and played a clown-nosed therapist.

Miller: What did you think of The L Word’s DADT story line?
Clinton: I thought it was wonderful and honest. They didn’t ever shy away from the real issue. And it showed the range of effects of DADT, especially on relationships. One of the characters, Alice, always pushed her partner, Tasha [a captain in the Army] to come out. She would say things like, “How can you not stand up against this?” It dramatized the tension of LGBT relationships in the military. Often times, one person is the activist and the other one is just trying to do her job in the military.

Miller: You’re known as a comedienne, but you’re also an activist for LGBT rights. How did that come about?
Clinton: When it was 1981, I just knew I wanted to be a stand-up comedienne. I didn’t really do political material, I just found the lives of lesbians both fascinating and funny, especially the whole softball thing. The fact that I was also an activist wasn’t immediately aware to me. But then I realized that, by nature, being an out and open woman in the 1980s was a political statement in itself.

Miller: Your partner is a well-known political activist. What’s home life like for a comedienne and an activist. Or, since you’re also an activist, is she also a comedienne?
Clinton: She tells me, “the show is too long, and you need to do more politics.”

Miller: What is the most encouraging thing about the current LGBT movement?
Clinton: What we’re seeing, is that we have so many allies. So many straight allies. That, to me, is very, very exciting. We also have to support them. Feminists fight for women’s right to choose. That’s their fight, but that’s our fight too. Immigration is our issue too. And having an understanding of what trans means. It’s a lovely change. That’s huge. On its best day, LGBT movement represents a really broad range of issues. I worry that we’ll get federal marriage equality, and we’ll kick it. But the peoples who try to prevent equality, they’re like zombies, keep risin’ up. We’ve seen it in the black civil rights movement, women’s movement, and I worry we’ll see it in the LGBT movement too.

Miller: Anything else you’d like to say to our LGBT troops?
Clinton: I think we’re all in this together, thank you for your service, and come to my shows — that’s an order.

Join Kate for her 2011 Glee Party Tour! A celebration of her 30-year career. A rolling Restore-to-Sanity rally.
For more Kate Clinton, visit her website at www.kateclinton.com.

—
Katie Miller is a former West Point cadet who resigned in 2010 under DADT and is currently a Political Science major at Yale University. Miller also serves on the OutServe Board of Directors.

The publication of OUR TIME: BREAKING THE SILENCE OF “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL” (The Penguin Press / $24.95 hardcover), edited by Josh Seefried, co-founder and co-director of OutServe, coincides with the repeal of DADT and marks the end of more than a decade of silence, giving voice to the LGBT men and women who served under its policy. The book is a compilation of short first-person essays, written primarily by active duty service members, by those discharged under the policy and by their supporters. It details the hardships faced by soldiers, families and partners, the pain of the choice between military and self, and exemplifies humanity at its very best — leaders who support their comrades, friendships forged and minds opened. Throughout, we are reminded of the bravery and selflessness of the men and women who choose to serve our country and defend our liberties while their own freedom is withheld.
A short excerpt from the book’s introduction follows:

“President Barack Obama signed the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal Act bill into law on December 22, 2010. Though official repeal then remained on the horizon, that day marked the beginning of a new era for the American military. I sat in the audience that day as a representative of OutServe and as an active duty gay Air Force officer directly affected by the policy. It was thrilling to celebrate this hard victory alongside other advocates, but I also knew that despite the leap forward there remained a tremendous amount of work to be done. For eighteen years, the policy had effectually silenced an entire military population. The ways in which ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ had poisoned military culture remained untold.

Our Time is our story of our military experience under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ The individuals you will meet in these pages served in silence. They were required to withhold an integral part of themselves from their colleagues. They could not freely share their love for their families, or their dreams for the future. They had no protection when individuals used the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy to blackmail and harass. Though as active duty service members themselves know, the silence of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ was already beginning to break. The stories here are testament to the remarkable friendships that form between Soldiers, relationships of respect and affection that transcend prejudice and prove just how very outdated and bankrupt the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy was.

Throughout Our Time, you will note time and time again one word: integrity. This concept is a cornerstone of military education and tradition, it is a value we are taught to aspire to and to uphold. And yet, ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ denied integrity to each and every LGBT service member. Every day these individuals were faced with the deep, wounding conflict: to be true to themselves, or true their country. The pain of that choice is felt in almost every story included here.

When service members sent me their stories, they would often thank me for the opportunity to contribute. They told me that there was a certain vindication in writing their story on paper and knowing it was going to be read. The human narrative is a powerful tool. It was the courage of previous gay service members stories that motivated the nation to change this policy and it’s these stories that will help the pain of the last few decades of discrimination heal.”

– an excerpt from the introduction to OUR TIME: BREAKING THE SILENCE OF “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL” edited by Josh Seefried; to be published by The Penguin Press in October 2011. To pre-order the book, visit http://outserve.org/ourtime/

With renowned organizations and honorary guest speakers, the Armed Forces Leadership Summit will provide the LGBT military community a means of building professional networks, sharing best practices and formulating strategies that help build a stronger military community. The Summit will feature respected and well-known authorities presenting on a range of topics, intriguing and groundbreaking panels, and interactive workshops that address diversity as a strength. Among the many topics to be featured: how allied military forces have built a diverse military community; post-service employment opportunities for LGBT personnel; legislative battles ahead; and resources for LGBT military families and partners. The Summit will also include strategic group breakouts for partners, transgender service members, service academies, women and others.

“We believe diversity is a force multiplier, and this conference will bring together veterans, active-duty military, and other experts to help us leverage LGBT inclusion for the benefit of military readiness,” says Josh Seefried, OutServe’s active-duty co-director. “Building an environment of mutual respect is ingrained in our military values, and as active-duty soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who happen to be gay, that’s what we are working toward.”

“As Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden have shown us through their ‘Joining Forces’ project, supporting military families is supporting the military,” added Seefried. “Providing resources to LGBT military partners and families is a priority for us since the military is currently prohibited from giving any spousal benefits to them.”

Well-renowned organizations and businesses are moving quickly at the opportunity to support this year’s Armed Forces Leadership Summit. The Central Intelligence Agency, Human Rights Campaign, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, and Out & Equal are just a few among a growing list of supporters. As evidenced by this dynamic and diverse group of sponsors, the Summit is bound to generate a fascinating dialogue.

As we move to a post-DADT climate, it’s imperative that we organize as a community and strategize how to build a more equitable, diverse, and safe military. OutServe is ecstatic to lead this discussion and pave the way for a brighter future in our military community.
– Andrew Jenkins

Jonathan Mills, Executive Editor

Well, the day we have all been waiting for is finally upon us.When we started this magazine back in March of this year, our main goal was to be a source of outreach and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender troops in the military — a group that often feels like there is no one to turn to in times of need. We both knew when we started this magazine that we were just the latest two people among a long line of fellow patriots who have blazed a path before us. Throughout the tumultuous year of 2010, when it seemed like DADT would never come up for a full vote in the United States Senate, we would often console one another with the hope that one day, we would be able to tell our stories without shame, fear, and most importantly, discharge.

When the law finally passed, like everyone else, we were elated — but we both knew that our work was only just beginning. There were far too many stories to tell; stories of soldiers sent off to war, knowing full-well that their loved ones back at home would receive little support, stories of combat-hardened leaders on their second, third, and sometimes fourth deployment who wanted nothing more but to serve their country openly, without sacrificing their integrity. Duty, honor, courage … these are universal ideals that drive any soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, or Coastguard, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Eddy Sweeney, Managing Editor

Outgoing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, summed up these sentiments best, when testifying before Congress: “We have in place a policy, which forces young men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens. For me, personally, it comes down to integrity.” … a simple statement, which has had a powerful, moving impact on all those who have served and continue to serve.

We’d like to open this issue with some words we received from a reader who served in the military prior to DADT — one who, unfortunately, never got to serve openly, but whose love for this country is plainly obvious: “We have forbearers. A path was blazed before us. And we have true martyrs. People died in this war, some in body and some in spirit — I don’t know which is worse. Imagine, for just a moment, the old men and women who lived in shame for decades after receiving disgraceful discharges, and who then took the pain of their truths to the nation’s capital city and demanded that justice be done. They started you on your path. You owe them a great, great debt.”
While we could never possibly repay them for all they’ve sacrificed, we will honor those sacrifices — through each story, voice, and heart.

Jonathan Mills & Eddy Sweeney,
Editors

Written by Aubrey Sarvis,
Army Veteran & SLDN Executive Director

From the earliest days of America’s founding, LGBT Americans have – with pride, distinction and bravery – served the country they love in defense of freedom. It is this legacy of service and sacrifice that has moved countless individuals to work to end the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law that resulted in the firing of more than 14,000 service members since 1993.

Veterans, supporters and allies have shared their stories, spoken out, and tirelessly mobilized over many years so that all qualified Americans may serve regardless of sexual orientation. Because of these collective efforts, passion and courage, we overturned DADT and achieved a historic milestone. As of September 20, 2011, repeal of this terrible law is done.

Yet many hurdles lie ahead and much work remains as we engage new fronts in the fight for full LGBT equality in the armed forces.

At Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), we will work on the outside to provide hands-on oversight of repeal implementation while also representing and defending service members who may face discrimination or harassment because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Similarly, we will be prepared to litigate in the courts when necessary as we fight for legally married service members to receive the same benefits as their straight counterparts, even as we assist veterans to correct or upgrade their discharge paperwork.

We have urged President Obama to prohibit discrimination and harassment in the military based on sexual orientation and gender identity by issuing an Executive Order that would give LGBT service members recourse outside their chain of command. Recommending that the order go into effect on the date of DADT repeal – Tuesday, September 20, 2011 – SLDN first called for such an order in a February letter. We reiterated our call twice last month, first on the day of DADT repeal certification, then with an online petition launched through Change.org.

We have made the case for Special Boards to assist veterans harmed by “Don’t Ask” and the regulatory ban that came before it, and urged the Secretary of Defense and Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to establish such boards to address, in a fair and expeditious way, issues like correcting discharge paperwork and removing the “homosexual” characterization.

But the cornerstone of SLDN’s mission since our founding in 1993 has been to provide legal services to LGBT patriots – past and present – who are affected by DADT, as well as other forms of discrimination or harassment. Though the landscape in which these services will be provided will change following repeal, SLDN remains committed to helping service members, their families and veterans safely navigate the new terrain.

Indeed, since repeal legislation was signed in December 2010, we have received hundreds of calls from service members fired under DADT, as well as others who now want to serve their country. Questions range from those who wish to see their discharge paperwork changed or who want to apply for re-accession to the armed services, to others who have never served but want to join the military for the first time.

To answer these questions and more, SLDN unveiled Freedom to Serve: The Definitive Guide to LGBT Military Service – a first-of-its-kind comprehensive new legal guide for LGBT service members, their families, veterans, and future recruits. The guide provides an overview of laws and policies related to military service in the U.S. following DADT repeal, as well as practical information for advocates and friends of LGBT patriots. Addressing issues like standards of conduct, benefits, and discharge upgrades, it also enables members of the LGBT military community to better understand how to protect themselves if they are targeted on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

As we continue to advance LGBT equality in the military, SLDN and our coalition partners will remain on the frontlines. We are honored to fight alongside OutServe, and it is with pride and renewed determination that we carry on the march toward liberty and justice that inspired the pioneers of equality before us. Together, we will continue to change history.

For more information, or to seek legal guidance or services from SLDN, please visit http://www.slgn.org/.