(WASHINGTON, D.C.)Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and OutServe today announced the search process for an Executive Director, who will lead the new organization, OutServe-SLDN, upon completion of the combination of the two organizations. The executive search firm, McCormack & Associates of Palm Springs, CA, has been retained to manage the national recruitment process in collaboration with a designated search committee of the two existing boards. The search for an executive director for SLDN, launched earlier this year, was dramatically changed when the boards of OutServe and SLDN voted to combine at their July 2012 board meetings.
"The search for the first person to lead this newly combined organization comes at a critical moment in the fight for full LGBT equality in our armed forces. That fight marches forward - including for those legally married gay and lesbian service members who today do not receive the same recognition, support or benefits for their families as their straight, married peers. We will not rest until we overcome existing inequities and ensure full LGBT equality in the military," said SLDN Board Co-Chair April Heinze, who is on the search committee.
The position of Executive Director of OutServe-SLDN provides a unique professional opportunity to lead a newly formed, national LGBT military organization seeking and ensuring full equality for LGBT service members, veterans, and their families. He or she will manage ongoing legal and legislative efforts to dismantle federal laws - including the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) - which prevent the military from treating all service members, veterans, and their families equally. He or she will oversee pro bono legal services for LGBT service members, work with the Department of Defense and congressional leaders for effective implementation of open service, and work to address any harassment or discrimination related to sexual orientation or gender identity that may occur.
Additionally, the leader will oversee building a new infrastructure to grow the existing OutServe membership and chapter structure as the organization expands its role as a place for LGBT service members and veterans to connect through professional association. The new Executive Director will champion work for full equality on behalf of the nation's gay and lesbian service members in the media, in communities across the U.S., and with stakeholders at every level, including at the White House, on Capitol Hill, and at the Pentagon. He or she will also lead OutServe-SLDN's ongoing advocacy for transgender military service.
"In light of the combination of OutServe and SLDN, we wanted to launch the search anew in order to attract the best and brightest individuals to lead the way at an unprecedented time for LGBT service members. The first Executive Director of OutServe-SLDN has a great challenge in front of him or her - but also a great opportunity to finish the job we started with the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and build an organization that will endure as a place for LGBT service members to go for support, information, connectivity, and growth," said Josh Seefried, co-director of OutServe, who is on the search committee.
Aubrey Sarvis, the current SLDN Executive Director, has agreed to remain until a new leader is announced. Click here for the job description and instructions for applying.
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. 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 OUTSERVE: OutServe is the association of actively-serving LGBT military personnel. With more than 5,500 members and 50+ chapters worldwide, it is one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in the world. OutServe works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity.
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Zeke Stokes | Communications Director | Servicemembers Legal Defense Network | Post Office Box 65301 | Washington, D.C. 20035 | 202.621.5406 direct | 202.834.9048 mobile
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
SLDN Praises Congressional Bill to Extend Benefits and Support to All Military Spouses
Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act Introduced by HASC Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA)
(Washington, DC) Army Veteran and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis today applauded the introduction of HR 6046, the Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act of 2012 (MSET) that would change the definition of "spouse" in four areas of U.S. Code related to recognition, support, and benefits for married service members and veterans. The changes - including Titles 10, 32, and 38 that are challenged in SLDN's landmark litigation, McLaughlin v. U.S., filed in October 2011 - would ensure that spouses of the same gender are eligible for key military benefits.
"Our nation's senior military leaders and commanders on the ground are increasingly uncomfortable with administering two classes of recognition, support and benefits for our nation's service members - one for straight service members and a different one for their gay and lesbian peers. There cannot be two classes of service members, and this legislation addresses that effectively," said Sarvis.
In his remarks at the Pentagon on Tuesday, Department of Defense General Counsel Jeh Johnson referenced the growing awareness of this disparity among leadership in the armed forces.
"The repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' exposes certain inequalities between similarly situated couples in the military community. This troubles many of our leaders," said Johnson.
In addition to the titles challenged by SLDN's court case, the bill - introduced by House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) - also adds a favorable controlling definition of "spouse" to Title 37 to provide greater uniformity of benefits for same-sex spouses. Taken together, MSET would extend dozens of important spousal benefits and support programs to same-gender spouses, including coverage under TriCare insurance, an increased housing allowance, and survivor benefits.
"Ranking Member Smith has recognized with the introduction of this legislation today that 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal - while a monumental achievement for gay and lesbian service members and all Americans - does not finish the job of ensuring full equality for these brave patriots and their families. We thank him for his leadership and urge his colleagues in both parties and in both houses of Congress to join him and us in this important fight," said Sarvis.
Sarvis said he expects a companion bill to be introduced soon in the U.S. Senate and that SLDN, working with allies, will seek to gain co-sponsors for the legislation in both bodies.
"Just as SLDN did in the fight to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' we are now engaged in a two-front campaign to gain full equality for service members, veterans, and their spouses in the courts and on Capitol Hill. This bill - just like our case before the courts - is about justice for gay and lesbian military families providing the same service, taking the same risks, and making the same sacrifices for our country as their straight, married peers. The military should not be forced to turn its back on them because the federal government does not recognize their marriages," 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 11,500 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org. 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.
(Washington, DC) Army Veteran and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis today applauded the introduction of HR 6046, the Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act of 2012 (MSET) that would change the definition of "spouse" in four areas of U.S. Code related to recognition, support, and benefits for married service members and veterans. The changes - including Titles 10, 32, and 38 that are challenged in SLDN's landmark litigation, McLaughlin v. U.S., filed in October 2011 - would ensure that spouses of the same gender are eligible for key military benefits.
"Our nation's senior military leaders and commanders on the ground are increasingly uncomfortable with administering two classes of recognition, support and benefits for our nation's service members - one for straight service members and a different one for their gay and lesbian peers. There cannot be two classes of service members, and this legislation addresses that effectively," said Sarvis.
In his remarks at the Pentagon on Tuesday, Department of Defense General Counsel Jeh Johnson referenced the growing awareness of this disparity among leadership in the armed forces.
"The repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' exposes certain inequalities between similarly situated couples in the military community. This troubles many of our leaders," said Johnson.
In addition to the titles challenged by SLDN's court case, the bill - introduced by House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) - also adds a favorable controlling definition of "spouse" to Title 37 to provide greater uniformity of benefits for same-sex spouses. Taken together, MSET would extend dozens of important spousal benefits and support programs to same-gender spouses, including coverage under TriCare insurance, an increased housing allowance, and survivor benefits.
"Ranking Member Smith has recognized with the introduction of this legislation today that 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal - while a monumental achievement for gay and lesbian service members and all Americans - does not finish the job of ensuring full equality for these brave patriots and their families. We thank him for his leadership and urge his colleagues in both parties and in both houses of Congress to join him and us in this important fight," said Sarvis.
Sarvis said he expects a companion bill to be introduced soon in the U.S. Senate and that SLDN, working with allies, will seek to gain co-sponsors for the legislation in both bodies.
"Just as SLDN did in the fight to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' we are now engaged in a two-front campaign to gain full equality for service members, veterans, and their spouses in the courts and on Capitol Hill. This bill - just like our case before the courts - is about justice for gay and lesbian military families providing the same service, taking the same risks, and making the same sacrifices for our country as their straight, married peers. The military should not be forced to turn its back on them because the federal government does not recognize their marriages," 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 11,500 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org. 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.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Mullen to Headline Military Tribute Marking One Year Anniversary of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal
UBS, Verizon, BNY Mellon Announced as Inaugural Sponsors of Historic
New York City Event Honoring Service Members and Veterans
(New York, NY) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) today announced UBS, Verizon, and BNY Mellon as the inaugural sponsors of a tribute to former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, who will headline the celebration aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City to mark the one-year anniversary of the repeal of the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law. The event - "Celebrating OurHeroes" - will take place on Tuesday, September 18, 2012, and will be the first in a series of high profile events hosted by SLDN across the country during the week to commemorate the first year of open service by America's gay and lesbian service members. The anniversary of repeal is September 20.
"This historic and emotional event presents a unique – indeed, a once in a lifetime – opportunity to reinforce the meaningful part that Admiral Mullen played in the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal process. No one played a more pivotal role than Admiral Mullen in securing the support of Congress and the military for repeal," said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
Members of Congress and observers alike sat transfixed as he testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on February 2, 2010, at the height of the repeal fight, saying:
"No matter how I look at the issue, I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that 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, it comes down to integrity – theirs as individuals and ours as an institution."
"We thank our inaugural sponsors - UBS, Verizon, and BNY Mellon - for their strong commitment to equality in our nation's military and for their generous support for all service members and veterans. Admiral Mullen represents the very best American values - integrity, commitment, and service. We are proud to see these employers aligned with him today and demonstrating a deep commitment to full LGBT equality in this country," said Sarvis.
The New York City tribute on September 18 will begin with a VIP reception at 5:30 p.m. The general admission event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude at 9:30 p.m.
For more information, to sponsor the event, or to purchase tickets, visit www.sldn.org/intrepid2012.
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 11,500 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org. 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.
New York City Event Honoring Service Members and Veterans
(New York, NY) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) today announced UBS, Verizon, and BNY Mellon as the inaugural sponsors of a tribute to former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, who will headline the celebration aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City to mark the one-year anniversary of the repeal of the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law. The event - "Celebrating OurHeroes" - will take place on Tuesday, September 18, 2012, and will be the first in a series of high profile events hosted by SLDN across the country during the week to commemorate the first year of open service by America's gay and lesbian service members. The anniversary of repeal is September 20.
"This historic and emotional event presents a unique – indeed, a once in a lifetime – opportunity to reinforce the meaningful part that Admiral Mullen played in the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal process. No one played a more pivotal role than Admiral Mullen in securing the support of Congress and the military for repeal," said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
Members of Congress and observers alike sat transfixed as he testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on February 2, 2010, at the height of the repeal fight, saying:
"No matter how I look at the issue, I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that 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, it comes down to integrity – theirs as individuals and ours as an institution."
"We thank our inaugural sponsors - UBS, Verizon, and BNY Mellon - for their strong commitment to equality in our nation's military and for their generous support for all service members and veterans. Admiral Mullen represents the very best American values - integrity, commitment, and service. We are proud to see these employers aligned with him today and demonstrating a deep commitment to full LGBT equality in this country," said Sarvis.
The New York City tribute on September 18 will begin with a VIP reception at 5:30 p.m. The general admission event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude at 9:30 p.m.
For more information, to sponsor the event, or to purchase tickets, visit www.sldn.org/intrepid2012.
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 11,500 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org. 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.
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