OutServe and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Vote
to Finalize Historic Combination, Elect Board Co-Chairs
Heinze, Seefried to lead new OutServe-SLDN
(ORLANDO, FL) In a meeting held today during the 2012 International Leadership Conference, the boards of directors of OutServe and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) voted to take the final steps to combine the two organizations - including to combine the two boards - and elected co-chairs to lead the board of directors of OutServe-SLDN. Retired Navy Captain April Heinze, who previously served as co-chair of the SLDN board of directors will take the helm alongside Josh Seefried, co-founder and previously co-director of OutServe.
“We are enthusiastic about the combination of these two vibrant and effective organizations. Our mission will be to provide the best representation, advocacy, and services for LGBT service members, veterans, and their families and continue the momentum we began toward reaching full LGBT equality in the military with the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ last year. We know that was just the beginning and we are prepared to fight this fight all the way to the end,” said Heinze.
"This comes down to mission first, just as it always is in the military. This is a great day for both organizations and for the LGBT service members and veterans around the world, who need a strong, unified voice speaking for them at the White House, on Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon, and among the American people. What began as a simple effort to tell our stories has grown into something we could never have imagined, and this combination represents the next step in that evolution. Each organization brings its own strengths to the fight for full LGBT military equality, and we are stronger together," said Josh Seefried, co-founder and co-director of OutServe. At age 26, Seefried becomes the youngest co-chair of a major national LGBT organization.
SLDN was founded in 1993 following the passage of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in order to provide free, confidential, and direct legal services to LGBT service members and veterans affected by the law and by the previous ban on open gay and lesbian service. Since then, the organization has assisted more than 12,000 individuals and became a key player in the fight to repeal the DADT law.
OutServe rose to prominence after it began as an underground network of LGBT service members connected via Facebook that now boasts more than 6,000 members worldwide. During the fight to repeal DADT, the group facilitated telling the stories of active duty service members in the media and at the Pentagon, becoming a key link for the Comprehensive Review Working Group that allowed the voices of those who were serving in silence to be heard. Just a few weeks after DADT repeal, OutServe hosted the first-ever conference of active duty LGBT service members and has remained a vital and growing organization since.
As a single organization moving forward, OutServe-SLDN will intensify its efforts to bring about full equality through a continued focus on securing equal recognition, support, and benefits for all military families; correcting so called “homosexual” discharge records to reflect the honorable service of all those discharged for their sexual orientation during the DADT era and before; highlighting the stories and faces of service members, veterans, and families harmed by discriminatory laws; building additional membership and engagement; and ensuring that all qualified LGBT Americans who wish to serve their country in uniform are able to do so free of discrimination and harassment.
On Thursday, the organization announced the selection of its new Executive Director, Allyson Robinson, a West Point graduate, a former Army officer and former minister.
“I am honored to lead the new OutServe-SLDN into this next phase of advocacy and action on behalf of our brave LGBT service members, veterans, and their families. Until they are guaranteed equal opportunity, recognition, support, and benefits, our mission is incomplete. We cannot and will not leave them behind,” said Robinson, who departed her position at Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to accept the position.
For additional details on Robinson’s selection, click here.
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ABOUT OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It 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. It 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. OS-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. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
OutServe-SLDN Taps Army Veteran to Lead Newly Combined Org
SLDN & OutServe Tap Army Veteran to Lead Newly Combined Organization
Allyson Robinson, 1994 West Point graduate, will become first OutServe-SLDN Executive Director
(WASHINGTON, DC) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and OutServe, the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel, today announced the selection of Army veteran Allyson Robinson to lead the newly combined organization. Robinson assumes the post as the two organizations are slated to finalize their combination this weekend. The combination was announced in July.
“I am honored to lead the new OutServe-SLDN into this next phase of advocacy and action on behalf of our brave LGBT service members, veterans, and their families. Until they are guaranteed equal opportunity, recognition, support, and benefits, our mission is incomplete. We cannot and will not leave them behind,” said Robinson, who departs her position at Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to take the helm of the new organization today.
A native of Scranton, PA, Robinson is a 1994 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she majored in physics. After an internship at Los Alamos National Laboratory, she was commissioned as an officer in the Army and commanded PATRIOT missile units in Europe and the Middle East. She also served as a senior trainer/evaluator for NATO and as an advisor to the armed forces of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. Robinson resigned her commission in 1999 to pursue a calling to Christian ministry, serving as pastor-teacher to churches in the Portuguese Azores and central Texas. She earned a master of divinity degree in theology with a capstone emphasis in social justice from Baylor University in 2007.
Most recently, as the first Deputy Director for Employee Programs of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Project, Robinson drove the design and delivery of HRC’s broad portfolio of training and curricula for corporate leadership and employee audiences to improve LGBT cultural competence and inclusion in the workplace. She lives with her wife of 18 years and their four children in Gaithersburg, MD.
“Allyson Robinson is exactly the right person at the right time to be our leader and voice in Washington in the fight to achieve full LGBT equality in the military. She comes with an exemplary military background, strong political and policy acumen, and a deep commitment and vision for bringing about the changes needed to carry forward the work we began with the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’” said April Heinze, retired Navy captain and co-chair of the SLDN Board of Directors.
Representing seven plaintiff same-sex military couples – each legally married - SLDN filed a federal court challenge in October 2011 to the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and other federal laws that prevent the military from providing equal recognition, benefits and support to all service members and their families. Robinson said today that among her priorities will be accelerating the fight for equal support and benefits for all service members.
“The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ taught us that to be victorious, we must fight inequality on multiple fronts – in the courts, on Capitol Hill, and in the public square. It’s time to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, revise laws that prevent the military from honoring the service of all of our nation’s men and women in uniform, and end marriage discrimination for our service members and their families once and for all,” Robinson said.
Robinson, who is transgender, also vowed to continue the important work necessary to bringing about full LGBT equality in the military.
“We cannot stop until we reach the day when all qualified Americans who wish to wear the uniform of our armed forces have the opportunity to do so with honor and integrity – and without fear of discrimination or harassment – whether they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender,” Robinson said.
In addition to advancing the mission of full equality in the military, Robinson will lead a newly-formed organization with an expanded mission, the result of the combination of SLDN and OutServe, which currently boasts 6000 members worldwide.
“From the moment I met Allyson, I knew she was the right leader for OutServe-SLDN,” said Josh Seefried, co-founder and co-director of OutServe. “As someone who graduated from West Point, deployed multiple times and has dedicated her life to advancing social justice, she will relate to service members and supporters and lead this organization to a new level. She is a professional of unparalleled experience and will earn the respect and admiration of LGBT service members right away,”
SLDN and OutServe conducted a national search in coordination with the firm, McCormack & Associates, based in Los Angeles, CA.
What Others Are Saying About Allyson Robinson
"Allyson's exceptional résumé, her experience in the LGBT movement, and her milItary credentials have prepared her well for the task ahead of us. We need a leader of her caliber in this important role as we take the next steps toward our ultimate goal, which is securing full LGBT equality in our military." - Michael Magee, SLDN Board of Directors Co-Chair
"Allyson will bring a new perspective and enthusiasm – as well as a deep commitment – as we enter the next phase of the fight for full LGBT equality in the armed forces." - Aubrey Sarvis, Army veteran and outgoing SLDN Executive Director
"Allyson Robinson is strategic, passionate, and committed. She's the right person to lead this organization. She's a graduate of West Point and a decorated military officer, which makes her uniquely qualified for this position." - Chad Griffin, President Human Rights Campaign
"We have a lot of work ahead of us at OS-SLDN, and we need a strategic, smart, dynamic leader who is strong both inside and outside the Beltway. Allyson fits the bill perfectly. She understands the importance of faith and family, especially within the LGBT and military communities, and will be able to get things done." - Sue Fulton, Executive Director, Knights Out
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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 12,000 requests for assistance. 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. For mote information, visit www.sldn.org.
ABOUT OUTSERVE: OutServe is the association of actively-serving LGBT military personnel. With more than 6,000 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. For more information, visit www.outserve.org.
Allyson Robinson, 1994 West Point graduate, will become first OutServe-SLDN Executive Director
(WASHINGTON, DC) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and OutServe, the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel, today announced the selection of Army veteran Allyson Robinson to lead the newly combined organization. Robinson assumes the post as the two organizations are slated to finalize their combination this weekend. The combination was announced in July.
“I am honored to lead the new OutServe-SLDN into this next phase of advocacy and action on behalf of our brave LGBT service members, veterans, and their families. Until they are guaranteed equal opportunity, recognition, support, and benefits, our mission is incomplete. We cannot and will not leave them behind,” said Robinson, who departs her position at Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to take the helm of the new organization today.
A native of Scranton, PA, Robinson is a 1994 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she majored in physics. After an internship at Los Alamos National Laboratory, she was commissioned as an officer in the Army and commanded PATRIOT missile units in Europe and the Middle East. She also served as a senior trainer/evaluator for NATO and as an advisor to the armed forces of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. Robinson resigned her commission in 1999 to pursue a calling to Christian ministry, serving as pastor-teacher to churches in the Portuguese Azores and central Texas. She earned a master of divinity degree in theology with a capstone emphasis in social justice from Baylor University in 2007.
Most recently, as the first Deputy Director for Employee Programs of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Project, Robinson drove the design and delivery of HRC’s broad portfolio of training and curricula for corporate leadership and employee audiences to improve LGBT cultural competence and inclusion in the workplace. She lives with her wife of 18 years and their four children in Gaithersburg, MD.
“Allyson Robinson is exactly the right person at the right time to be our leader and voice in Washington in the fight to achieve full LGBT equality in the military. She comes with an exemplary military background, strong political and policy acumen, and a deep commitment and vision for bringing about the changes needed to carry forward the work we began with the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’” said April Heinze, retired Navy captain and co-chair of the SLDN Board of Directors.
Representing seven plaintiff same-sex military couples – each legally married - SLDN filed a federal court challenge in October 2011 to the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and other federal laws that prevent the military from providing equal recognition, benefits and support to all service members and their families. Robinson said today that among her priorities will be accelerating the fight for equal support and benefits for all service members.
“The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ taught us that to be victorious, we must fight inequality on multiple fronts – in the courts, on Capitol Hill, and in the public square. It’s time to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, revise laws that prevent the military from honoring the service of all of our nation’s men and women in uniform, and end marriage discrimination for our service members and their families once and for all,” Robinson said.
Robinson, who is transgender, also vowed to continue the important work necessary to bringing about full LGBT equality in the military.
“We cannot stop until we reach the day when all qualified Americans who wish to wear the uniform of our armed forces have the opportunity to do so with honor and integrity – and without fear of discrimination or harassment – whether they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender,” Robinson said.
In addition to advancing the mission of full equality in the military, Robinson will lead a newly-formed organization with an expanded mission, the result of the combination of SLDN and OutServe, which currently boasts 6000 members worldwide.
“From the moment I met Allyson, I knew she was the right leader for OutServe-SLDN,” said Josh Seefried, co-founder and co-director of OutServe. “As someone who graduated from West Point, deployed multiple times and has dedicated her life to advancing social justice, she will relate to service members and supporters and lead this organization to a new level. She is a professional of unparalleled experience and will earn the respect and admiration of LGBT service members right away,”
SLDN and OutServe conducted a national search in coordination with the firm, McCormack & Associates, based in Los Angeles, CA.
What Others Are Saying About Allyson Robinson
"Allyson's exceptional résumé, her experience in the LGBT movement, and her milItary credentials have prepared her well for the task ahead of us. We need a leader of her caliber in this important role as we take the next steps toward our ultimate goal, which is securing full LGBT equality in our military." - Michael Magee, SLDN Board of Directors Co-Chair
"Allyson will bring a new perspective and enthusiasm – as well as a deep commitment – as we enter the next phase of the fight for full LGBT equality in the armed forces." - Aubrey Sarvis, Army veteran and outgoing SLDN Executive Director
"Allyson Robinson is strategic, passionate, and committed. She's the right person to lead this organization. She's a graduate of West Point and a decorated military officer, which makes her uniquely qualified for this position." - Chad Griffin, President Human Rights Campaign
"We have a lot of work ahead of us at OS-SLDN, and we need a strategic, smart, dynamic leader who is strong both inside and outside the Beltway. Allyson fits the bill perfectly. She understands the importance of faith and family, especially within the LGBT and military communities, and will be able to get things done." - Sue Fulton, Executive Director, Knights Out
###
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 12,000 requests for assistance. 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. For mote information, visit www.sldn.org.
ABOUT OUTSERVE: OutServe is the association of actively-serving LGBT military personnel. With more than 6,000 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. For more information, visit www.outserve.org.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Lead DOMA Challenge Plaintiffs Join Freedom to Marry Campaign
On Anniversary of Landmark Legal Challenge, Lead Plaintiffs Join National Call for Freedom to Marry
(Washington, DC) – Freedom to Marry and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) today released a new online video featuring Major Shannon McLaughlin of the Massachusetts National Guard and her wife, Casey, who one year ago became lead plaintiffs, represented by SLDN, in a landmark federal court case on behalf of married gay and lesbian service members and veterans. The case challenges the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and other federal laws that force the military to withhold equal respect, support, and benefits from LGBT service members, veterans, and their families.
“Shannon and I are in love. We have two beautiful children. We have a lovely home and a supportive community, family that’s close by that loves us. We would have everything that a family could want. The only thing that’s standing in the way is DOMA,” says Casey McLaughlin in the video.
DOMA currently prevents the Armed Forces – and all other employers – from treating the couple as what they are: legally married. Because of DOMA, the McLaughlins are thus denied all protections, benefits, and support that would flow to non-gay married military families —even though their employer, the military, would prefer to treat them and families like them the same as any others serving the country. Protections denied include health care, housing benefits, access to military facilities, and survivor benefits. For example, the couple is forced to buy separate health insurance for Casey at great financial burden to the family.
“Even with my service in the military and as the breadwinner of the family, I am prevented from providing benefits for my wife - and she’s the mother of my children staying home to take care of them,” said Major McLaughlin.
Freedom to Marry and SLDN leaders today praised the couple for their service to the nation and vowed to keep up the fight to repeal federal laws that prevent all military families from being recognized.
"What this video shows is that while Major McLaughlin serves our country in harm’s way, the so-called Defense of Marriage Act shamefully harms her, her wife, and their kids, by denying them the critical safety-net of thousands of protections and responsibilities that married couples like them are entitled to," said Evan Wolfson, founder and president of Freedom to Marry. "With court after court rightly holding DOMA unconstitutional, we must make sure stories like the McLaughlins are heard in Congress, which can and should repeal DOMA, and the Supreme Court, which can take one of the DOMA cases before it and move to end federal marriage discrimination. It’s time to dump DOMA and let the military do right by all military families."
“Just as we did in the battle to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ we must not let up on any front. Together, we will continue to fight in the courts and on Capitol Hill to ensure that the families of brave gay and lesbian service members, serving our military with distinction, are honored by the nation they serve and treated as equals. There cannot be two classes of service members,” said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
Because of the ‘gay exception’ created by DOMA, America’s legally married gay and lesbian couples are denied more than 1,100 federal responsibilities and protections, including access to military insurance programs, Social Security survivors benefits, equal treatment under U.S. immigration laws, and the opportunity to take leave to care for a spouse.
Freedom to Marry's federal program works to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and make the case for marriage to government officials, opinion-leaders, and political operatives in Washington, DC. Freedom to Marry jointly leads the Respect for Marriage Coalition, a diverse group of nearly 75 organizations working together to repeal DOMA. Since the introduction of the Respect for Marriage Act, the number of cosponsors has increased from 18 to 32 in the Senate, including every Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and from 108 to 151 in the House of Representatives. On October 18, 2012, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals struck down DOMA, marking the tenth federal ruling stating that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act’s gay exception is unconstitutional.
For more information on Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry, visit www.freedomtomarry.org/serve.
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ABOUT FREEDOM TO MARRY: Freedom To Marry is the campaign to win marriage nationwide. We are pursuing our Roadmap to Victory by working to win the freedom to marry in more states, grow the national majority for marriage, and end federal marriage discrimination. We partner with individuals and organizations across the country to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage and the protections, responsibilities, and commitment that marriage brings.
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. 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) – Freedom to Marry and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) today released a new online video featuring Major Shannon McLaughlin of the Massachusetts National Guard and her wife, Casey, who one year ago became lead plaintiffs, represented by SLDN, in a landmark federal court case on behalf of married gay and lesbian service members and veterans. The case challenges the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and other federal laws that force the military to withhold equal respect, support, and benefits from LGBT service members, veterans, and their families.
“Shannon and I are in love. We have two beautiful children. We have a lovely home and a supportive community, family that’s close by that loves us. We would have everything that a family could want. The only thing that’s standing in the way is DOMA,” says Casey McLaughlin in the video.
DOMA currently prevents the Armed Forces – and all other employers – from treating the couple as what they are: legally married. Because of DOMA, the McLaughlins are thus denied all protections, benefits, and support that would flow to non-gay married military families —even though their employer, the military, would prefer to treat them and families like them the same as any others serving the country. Protections denied include health care, housing benefits, access to military facilities, and survivor benefits. For example, the couple is forced to buy separate health insurance for Casey at great financial burden to the family.
“Even with my service in the military and as the breadwinner of the family, I am prevented from providing benefits for my wife - and she’s the mother of my children staying home to take care of them,” said Major McLaughlin.
Freedom to Marry and SLDN leaders today praised the couple for their service to the nation and vowed to keep up the fight to repeal federal laws that prevent all military families from being recognized.
"What this video shows is that while Major McLaughlin serves our country in harm’s way, the so-called Defense of Marriage Act shamefully harms her, her wife, and their kids, by denying them the critical safety-net of thousands of protections and responsibilities that married couples like them are entitled to," said Evan Wolfson, founder and president of Freedom to Marry. "With court after court rightly holding DOMA unconstitutional, we must make sure stories like the McLaughlins are heard in Congress, which can and should repeal DOMA, and the Supreme Court, which can take one of the DOMA cases before it and move to end federal marriage discrimination. It’s time to dump DOMA and let the military do right by all military families."
“Just as we did in the battle to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ we must not let up on any front. Together, we will continue to fight in the courts and on Capitol Hill to ensure that the families of brave gay and lesbian service members, serving our military with distinction, are honored by the nation they serve and treated as equals. There cannot be two classes of service members,” said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
Because of the ‘gay exception’ created by DOMA, America’s legally married gay and lesbian couples are denied more than 1,100 federal responsibilities and protections, including access to military insurance programs, Social Security survivors benefits, equal treatment under U.S. immigration laws, and the opportunity to take leave to care for a spouse.
Freedom to Marry's federal program works to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and make the case for marriage to government officials, opinion-leaders, and political operatives in Washington, DC. Freedom to Marry jointly leads the Respect for Marriage Coalition, a diverse group of nearly 75 organizations working together to repeal DOMA. Since the introduction of the Respect for Marriage Act, the number of cosponsors has increased from 18 to 32 in the Senate, including every Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and from 108 to 151 in the House of Representatives. On October 18, 2012, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals struck down DOMA, marking the tenth federal ruling stating that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act’s gay exception is unconstitutional.
For more information on Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry, visit www.freedomtomarry.org/serve.
###
ABOUT FREEDOM TO MARRY: Freedom To Marry is the campaign to win marriage nationwide. We are pursuing our Roadmap to Victory by working to win the freedom to marry in more states, grow the national majority for marriage, and end federal marriage discrimination. We partner with individuals and organizations across the country to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage and the protections, responsibilities, and commitment that marriage brings.
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. 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.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
SLDN Legal Hotline Receives 12,000th Call for Assistance
SLDN Legal Hotline Logs 12,000th Call for Assistance
Calls for legal help are up - not down - since ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal, says McKean
(WASHINGTON DC) Today, the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) free and confidential hotline for LGBT service members and veterans seeking legal assistance reached a new milestone - 12,000 calls since its inception in 1993 to help aid service members affected by the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) law. Since repeal of the law in September 2011, SLDN leaders say calls to the hotline have increased with service members and veterans seeking a range of help that includes discharge upgrade assistance; advice about serving openly; assisting veterans discharged under DADT who wish to serve again; counseling service members and veterans on issues related to transgender service; and helping gay and lesbian military families navigate the unequal system of support and benefits created by the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA) and other federal marriage discrimination laws.
“SLDN’s legal hotline has been at the core of our services for nearly two decades. It has been and continues to be a lifeline for tens of thousands of LGBT service members and veterans in their time of crisis or when they simply need advice or counsel on an issue that’s unique to them as newly out members of the military community. Since the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ calls to SLDN’s legal hotline have increased,” said SLDN Legal Director David McKean.
Serena Trueman knows the work of the SLDN legal hotline well. She joined the US Air Force in 2005, at the age of 19. The product of a military family, Trueman had always felt a strong desire to serve her country and was considered by her commander to be in the top 10 percent of her squadron.
During her time in the service, Trueman’s father was diagnosed with cancer and Serena was unable to be with him because of where she was stationed. To lend her support during this difficult time, Trueman’s girlfriend came to visit her on base. Although there was nothing about this visit that contravened any military rules, it raised suspicions in the mind of another service member, who reported her to the command.
Ordinarily under DADT, a service member would have been separated with a discharge characterization that reflected the quality of his or her service, and a narrative reason that indicated the specific reason for discharge, such as “Homosexual Conduct.” Both of these items, as well as a reentry code, are listed on a discharge form, which serves as proof of a veteran’s military service.
Because of her excellent service record, Trueman received an Honorable discharge. However, when she received her discharge paperwork, she had been given a narrative reason for separation of “personality disorder,” which incorrectly marked her as someone with a mental disorder. In addition to forcing her to inaccurately represent herself in situations where she would be required submit her discharge paperwork - employment applications and requests for veterans’ benefits, included - this narrative reason and its corresponding reentry code also impeded her ability to re-enlist following the repeal of DADT in September 2011.
With SLDN’s legal expertise and assistance, in September 2012, Trueman received a decision in her favor and a new discharge record that reflects accurately her service. She is now having conversations with a recruiter in hopes of rejoining the Air Force.
“Serena Trueman is just one example of the more than 90,000 LGBT veterans discharged under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and the prior ban on gay and lesbian service, who may qualify to have their discharge paperwork corrected. At SLDN, we stand ready to assist through our free, direct, and confidential legal services and encourage veterans to reach out to us for assistance,” said McKean.
Since the repeal of DADT, SLDN has assisted more than 200 veterans seeking to upgrade their discharge paperwork. Those seeking assistance may visithttp://www.sldn.org/vetdischargechanges to find out more and begin the process.
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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 12,000 requests for assistance. 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 or visit www.sldn.org.
Calls for legal help are up - not down - since ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal, says McKean
(WASHINGTON DC) Today, the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) free and confidential hotline for LGBT service members and veterans seeking legal assistance reached a new milestone - 12,000 calls since its inception in 1993 to help aid service members affected by the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) law. Since repeal of the law in September 2011, SLDN leaders say calls to the hotline have increased with service members and veterans seeking a range of help that includes discharge upgrade assistance; advice about serving openly; assisting veterans discharged under DADT who wish to serve again; counseling service members and veterans on issues related to transgender service; and helping gay and lesbian military families navigate the unequal system of support and benefits created by the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA) and other federal marriage discrimination laws.
“SLDN’s legal hotline has been at the core of our services for nearly two decades. It has been and continues to be a lifeline for tens of thousands of LGBT service members and veterans in their time of crisis or when they simply need advice or counsel on an issue that’s unique to them as newly out members of the military community. Since the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ calls to SLDN’s legal hotline have increased,” said SLDN Legal Director David McKean.
Serena Trueman knows the work of the SLDN legal hotline well. She joined the US Air Force in 2005, at the age of 19. The product of a military family, Trueman had always felt a strong desire to serve her country and was considered by her commander to be in the top 10 percent of her squadron.
During her time in the service, Trueman’s father was diagnosed with cancer and Serena was unable to be with him because of where she was stationed. To lend her support during this difficult time, Trueman’s girlfriend came to visit her on base. Although there was nothing about this visit that contravened any military rules, it raised suspicions in the mind of another service member, who reported her to the command.
Ordinarily under DADT, a service member would have been separated with a discharge characterization that reflected the quality of his or her service, and a narrative reason that indicated the specific reason for discharge, such as “Homosexual Conduct.” Both of these items, as well as a reentry code, are listed on a discharge form, which serves as proof of a veteran’s military service.
Because of her excellent service record, Trueman received an Honorable discharge. However, when she received her discharge paperwork, she had been given a narrative reason for separation of “personality disorder,” which incorrectly marked her as someone with a mental disorder. In addition to forcing her to inaccurately represent herself in situations where she would be required submit her discharge paperwork - employment applications and requests for veterans’ benefits, included - this narrative reason and its corresponding reentry code also impeded her ability to re-enlist following the repeal of DADT in September 2011.
With SLDN’s legal expertise and assistance, in September 2012, Trueman received a decision in her favor and a new discharge record that reflects accurately her service. She is now having conversations with a recruiter in hopes of rejoining the Air Force.
“Serena Trueman is just one example of the more than 90,000 LGBT veterans discharged under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and the prior ban on gay and lesbian service, who may qualify to have their discharge paperwork corrected. At SLDN, we stand ready to assist through our free, direct, and confidential legal services and encourage veterans to reach out to us for assistance,” said McKean.
Since the repeal of DADT, SLDN has assisted more than 200 veterans seeking to upgrade their discharge paperwork. Those seeking assistance may visithttp://www.sldn.org/vetdischargechanges to find out more and begin the process.
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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 12,000 requests for assistance. 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 or visit www.sldn.org.
Monday, October 15, 2012
LGBT Service Members, Veterans to Gather in Orlando This Month
OutServe-SLDN International Leadership Conference Agenda Released
(WASHINGTON, DC) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and OutServe, the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel, today unveiled the schedule for the 2012 International Leadership Conference scheduled to take place in Orlando, FL later this month. From October 25 - 28, LGBT service members, veterans, families and civilian supporters will gather at Shades of Green resort to network and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the LGBT military community in the post-Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal world.
"We are looking forward to an exciting, engaging, and informative weekend that will build on the success of last year's historic conference, which took place in Las Vegas just weeks after the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell," said OutServe co-founder and co-director Josh Seefried.
Registration for the conference remains open at www.outserve.org. Media seeking to be credentialed for the conference must contact Zeke Stokes at 202.621.5406 or zeke@sldn.org.
The conference agenda released today is as follows:
Thursday, October 25, 2012
09:00 – 10:00
Fresh Start with Jonathan, OutServe-SLDN's Fitness Trainer, meet @ the Gazebo
Sponsored by Friends of OutServe-SLDN
12:00 - 12:30
Early Bird Registration @ Magnolia Ballroom Foyer
13:30 – 17:30
Chapter Leaders Meeting & Panel @ Eagles Boardroom
16:00 – 17:30
Early Bird Registration @ Magnolia Ballroom Foyer
18:00 – 20:00
Chapter Leaders Dinner @ Mangino’s Restaurant-Shades of Green
Friday, October 26, 2012
07:30 - 8:30
Fresh Start with Jonathan, OutServe-SLDN's Fitness Trainer, meet @ the Gazebo
Sponsored by Friends of OutServe-SLDN
09:00 - 10:30
Registration @ Magnolia Ballroom Foyer
10:30 - 11:50
Session 1 @ Magnolia Ballroom
A. “Transgender Inclusion in the Armed Forces and Beyond: Framing the Fight”
B. "Being Deployed and Gay" - organized in cooperation with OutServe Afghanistan
C. "From Six to Nine: US Marriage Equality"- organized in cooperation with Human Rights Campaign
12:00 – 14:00
Networking Lunch @ Magnolia Ballroom
14:00 - 15:20
Session 2 @ Magnolia Ballroom
A. "Diversity in the Military Chaplaincy and What It Means for LGB Troops" - organized in cooperation with Forum on the Military Chaplaincy
B. "2012 Electoral Landscape" - organized in cooperation with Human Rights Campaign
C. "Financial Education Workshop for Active Duty LGBT Service Members" - organized in cooperation with Wells Fargo
15:30 - 16:50
Session 3 @ Magnolia Ballroom
A. "Out Front (Of Change)" - organized in cooperation with Military Family Research Institute
B. "Collateral Damage: How DADT Caused LGBT Military to Circumvent Healthcare” - organized in cooperation with Memphis PFLAG Chapter
C. "The American Military Partner Association & LGBT Military Families" – organized in cooperation with The American Military Partner Association
18:30 – 20:00
Welcome Reception Sponsored by Converge Orlando @ the Gazebo
Saturday, October 27, 2012
07:00 - 8:00
Fresh Start with Jonathan, OutServe-SLDN's Fitness Trainer, meet @ the Gazebo
Sponsored by Friends of OutServe-SLDN
09:00 – 14:30
Trade Fair and Job Expo @ Magnolia Ballroom Foyer
09:15 - 10:35
Session 4 @ Magnolia Ballroom
A. "One Year Out: Has DADT Repeal Impacted Readiness" - organized in cooperation with Palm Center
B. "Health and Mental Health Needs of LGBT Military Families" - organized in cooperation with Military Partners & Family Coalition
C. "Media and the Movement, a Discussion Hosted by OutServe Magazine"
10:45 - 12:05
Session 5 @ Magnolia Ballroom
A. "LGBT Workplace Inclusion: Trend Lines in Corporate America and Their Impact on You" -organized in cooperation with Human Rights Campaign
B. “Chemical Dependency and Mental Health Concerns in LGBTQ Service Members” – organized in cooperation with PRIDE Institute
C. "So You Want to Get Married at a Military Chapel?" - organized in cooperation with Forum on the Military Chaplaincy
12:15 - 14:10
Networking Lunch Featuring Human Rights Campaign @ Magnolia Ballroom
14:10 - 15:30
Break Out Sessions @ Magnolia Ballroom
18:30 – 19:00
VIP Barefoot Bubbly Reception @ Magnolia Ballroom Foyer
19:00 – 19:30
Gala Reception featuring Wells Fargo @ Magnolia Ballroom
19:30 - 22:30
Gala Dinner @ Magnolia Ballroom
Featuring remarks by former Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA)
Sunday, October 28, 2012
07:00 - 8:00
Fresh Start with Jonathan, OutServe-SLDN's Fitness Trainer, meet @ the Gazebo
Sponsored by Friends of OutServe-SLDN
09:00 - 10:00
Breakfast Sponsored by Converge Orlando @ Magnolia Ballroom
Closing Remarks
To download the full agenda in .PDF format, click here.
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. For more information, visit www.sldn.org.
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. For more information, visit www.outserve.org
(WASHINGTON, DC) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and OutServe, the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel, today unveiled the schedule for the 2012 International Leadership Conference scheduled to take place in Orlando, FL later this month. From October 25 - 28, LGBT service members, veterans, families and civilian supporters will gather at Shades of Green resort to network and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the LGBT military community in the post-Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal world.
"We are looking forward to an exciting, engaging, and informative weekend that will build on the success of last year's historic conference, which took place in Las Vegas just weeks after the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell," said OutServe co-founder and co-director Josh Seefried.
Registration for the conference remains open at www.outserve.org. Media seeking to be credentialed for the conference must contact Zeke Stokes at 202.621.5406 or zeke@sldn.org.
The conference agenda released today is as follows:
Thursday, October 25, 2012
09:00 – 10:00
Fresh Start with Jonathan, OutServe-SLDN's Fitness Trainer, meet @ the Gazebo
Sponsored by Friends of OutServe-SLDN
12:00 - 12:30
Early Bird Registration @ Magnolia Ballroom Foyer
13:30 – 17:30
Chapter Leaders Meeting & Panel @ Eagles Boardroom
16:00 – 17:30
Early Bird Registration @ Magnolia Ballroom Foyer
18:00 – 20:00
Chapter Leaders Dinner @ Mangino’s Restaurant-Shades of Green
Friday, October 26, 2012
07:30 - 8:30
Fresh Start with Jonathan, OutServe-SLDN's Fitness Trainer, meet @ the Gazebo
Sponsored by Friends of OutServe-SLDN
09:00 - 10:30
Registration @ Magnolia Ballroom Foyer
10:30 - 11:50
Session 1 @ Magnolia Ballroom
A. “Transgender Inclusion in the Armed Forces and Beyond: Framing the Fight”
B. "Being Deployed and Gay" - organized in cooperation with OutServe Afghanistan
C. "From Six to Nine: US Marriage Equality"- organized in cooperation with Human Rights Campaign
12:00 – 14:00
Networking Lunch @ Magnolia Ballroom
14:00 - 15:20
Session 2 @ Magnolia Ballroom
A. "Diversity in the Military Chaplaincy and What It Means for LGB Troops" - organized in cooperation with Forum on the Military Chaplaincy
B. "2012 Electoral Landscape" - organized in cooperation with Human Rights Campaign
C. "Financial Education Workshop for Active Duty LGBT Service Members" - organized in cooperation with Wells Fargo
15:30 - 16:50
Session 3 @ Magnolia Ballroom
A. "Out Front (Of Change)" - organized in cooperation with Military Family Research Institute
B. "Collateral Damage: How DADT Caused LGBT Military to Circumvent Healthcare” - organized in cooperation with Memphis PFLAG Chapter
C. "The American Military Partner Association & LGBT Military Families" – organized in cooperation with The American Military Partner Association
18:30 – 20:00
Welcome Reception Sponsored by Converge Orlando @ the Gazebo
Saturday, October 27, 2012
07:00 - 8:00
Fresh Start with Jonathan, OutServe-SLDN's Fitness Trainer, meet @ the Gazebo
Sponsored by Friends of OutServe-SLDN
09:00 – 14:30
Trade Fair and Job Expo @ Magnolia Ballroom Foyer
09:15 - 10:35
Session 4 @ Magnolia Ballroom
A. "One Year Out: Has DADT Repeal Impacted Readiness" - organized in cooperation with Palm Center
B. "Health and Mental Health Needs of LGBT Military Families" - organized in cooperation with Military Partners & Family Coalition
C. "Media and the Movement, a Discussion Hosted by OutServe Magazine"
10:45 - 12:05
Session 5 @ Magnolia Ballroom
A. "LGBT Workplace Inclusion: Trend Lines in Corporate America and Their Impact on You" -organized in cooperation with Human Rights Campaign
B. “Chemical Dependency and Mental Health Concerns in LGBTQ Service Members” – organized in cooperation with PRIDE Institute
C. "So You Want to Get Married at a Military Chapel?" - organized in cooperation with Forum on the Military Chaplaincy
12:15 - 14:10
Networking Lunch Featuring Human Rights Campaign @ Magnolia Ballroom
14:10 - 15:30
Break Out Sessions @ Magnolia Ballroom
18:30 – 19:00
VIP Barefoot Bubbly Reception @ Magnolia Ballroom Foyer
19:00 – 19:30
Gala Reception featuring Wells Fargo @ Magnolia Ballroom
19:30 - 22:30
Gala Dinner @ Magnolia Ballroom
Featuring remarks by former Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA)
Sunday, October 28, 2012
07:00 - 8:00
Fresh Start with Jonathan, OutServe-SLDN's Fitness Trainer, meet @ the Gazebo
Sponsored by Friends of OutServe-SLDN
09:00 - 10:00
Breakfast Sponsored by Converge Orlando @ Magnolia Ballroom
Closing Remarks
To download the full agenda in .PDF format, click here.
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. For more information, visit www.sldn.org.
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. For more information, visit www.outserve.org
Friday, October 5, 2012
Guardsman Fighting Cancer, DOMA Featured in Documentary Project
CW2 Charlie Morgan's Fight for Full Military Benefits While Battling Cancer is Focus of Latest “Legal Stranger Project” Video
Morgan's heartbreaking story told at http://legalstranger.com/in-sickness-and-in-health
(WASHINGTON DC) Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) Charlie Morgan, her wife, Karen, and their daughter, Casey Elena, are the focus of the latest video release by The Legal Stranger Project, an award-winning multimedia documentary which follows the stories of same-sex couples who have been personally impacted by the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Morgan - who is battling incurable stage-four breast cancer - recently returned from a deployment to the Middle East. Should she not survive this battle for her health, her wife would not receive the survivors' benefits she desperately needs to take care of their now five-year-old daughter.
“Before I started the Legal Stranger Project almost three years ago, I was unaware of the 1,138 rights and benefits associated with marriage and the disparities encountered by same-sex couples under the Defense of Marriage Act. Charlie’s story, among others, reveals the complexity of DOMA and its effects on same-sex families,” said Amanda Lucidon, the producer and director of the project.
The Morgan’s are plaintiffs represented by SLDN in a lawsuit brought in October 2011 challenging DOMA and other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing equal recognition and support to same-sex military spouses. Currently, the Morgan’s do not receive the same protections as their straight, married peers, and Karen would not be entitled to survivor's benefits upon CW2 Morgan's death.
"In 2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and several rounds of chemotherapy to save my life. In 2010 - declared cancer free by my oncologist - I was deployed to Kuwait for one year in support of Operation New Dawn. I faithfully fulfilled my duty and returned home to my wife and our then four-year old daughter. But about a year ago, we learned the awful truth that my cancer has returned. It is metastatic and incurable. We don't know how long I have," CW2 Morgan has said.
CW2 Morgan, a member of the New Hampshire National Guard, drew national support in February when she visited Capitol Hill to meet with the staff of Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH), tell her personal story, and share how the Speaker's ongoing legal defense of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) via the House Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLAG) harms her family. There, she detailed her battle with incurable stage-four breast cancer and asked the Speaker to drop his legal defense of DOMA. Boehner has ignored her pleas and continues to defend the discriminatory law in court.
"It's unfathomable to me how anyone could look at the Morgan family and not be moved by this story and see how they're being treated unfairly. Here's a service member, who has risked her life for our nation overseas and now is fighting for her life here at home. She shouldn't be forced also to fight for her family to be recognized, respected, and provided the same support as any of her peers would receive. It's time to end the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act and treat all service members as first-class Americans," said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
The Morgan’s also appeared before the Democratic National Convention’s platform committee earlier this year to tell their story.
To view the video: http://legalstranger.com/in-sickness-and-in-health/
###
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. 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. For more information, visit www.sldn.org.
ABOUT THE LEGAL STRANGER PROJECT: Using a variety of media – film, video, still photographs written journals and interactive conversations – The Legal Stranger Project conveys the great disparities in parental rights, immigration status, inheritance, health care, survivor benefits and other rights arising from DOMA, through personal stories that producer/director Amanda Lucidon, co-producer Scott Anger and their team are continuing to collect and showcase through the website and an in-production documentary film. Operating on a start-up shoestring budget, The Legal Stranger Project is raising funds through a variety of innovative sources including tax-deductible donations on the project website and a crowd-funding campaign conducted earlier this year.
Morgan's heartbreaking story told at http://legalstranger.com/in-sickness-and-in-health
(WASHINGTON DC) Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) Charlie Morgan, her wife, Karen, and their daughter, Casey Elena, are the focus of the latest video release by The Legal Stranger Project, an award-winning multimedia documentary which follows the stories of same-sex couples who have been personally impacted by the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Morgan - who is battling incurable stage-four breast cancer - recently returned from a deployment to the Middle East. Should she not survive this battle for her health, her wife would not receive the survivors' benefits she desperately needs to take care of their now five-year-old daughter.
“Before I started the Legal Stranger Project almost three years ago, I was unaware of the 1,138 rights and benefits associated with marriage and the disparities encountered by same-sex couples under the Defense of Marriage Act. Charlie’s story, among others, reveals the complexity of DOMA and its effects on same-sex families,” said Amanda Lucidon, the producer and director of the project.
The Morgan’s are plaintiffs represented by SLDN in a lawsuit brought in October 2011 challenging DOMA and other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing equal recognition and support to same-sex military spouses. Currently, the Morgan’s do not receive the same protections as their straight, married peers, and Karen would not be entitled to survivor's benefits upon CW2 Morgan's death.
"In 2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and several rounds of chemotherapy to save my life. In 2010 - declared cancer free by my oncologist - I was deployed to Kuwait for one year in support of Operation New Dawn. I faithfully fulfilled my duty and returned home to my wife and our then four-year old daughter. But about a year ago, we learned the awful truth that my cancer has returned. It is metastatic and incurable. We don't know how long I have," CW2 Morgan has said.
CW2 Morgan, a member of the New Hampshire National Guard, drew national support in February when she visited Capitol Hill to meet with the staff of Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH), tell her personal story, and share how the Speaker's ongoing legal defense of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) via the House Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLAG) harms her family. There, she detailed her battle with incurable stage-four breast cancer and asked the Speaker to drop his legal defense of DOMA. Boehner has ignored her pleas and continues to defend the discriminatory law in court.
"It's unfathomable to me how anyone could look at the Morgan family and not be moved by this story and see how they're being treated unfairly. Here's a service member, who has risked her life for our nation overseas and now is fighting for her life here at home. She shouldn't be forced also to fight for her family to be recognized, respected, and provided the same support as any of her peers would receive. It's time to end the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act and treat all service members as first-class Americans," said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
The Morgan’s also appeared before the Democratic National Convention’s platform committee earlier this year to tell their story.
To view the video: http://legalstranger.com/in-sickness-and-in-health/
###
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. 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. For more information, visit www.sldn.org.
ABOUT THE LEGAL STRANGER PROJECT: Using a variety of media – film, video, still photographs written journals and interactive conversations – The Legal Stranger Project conveys the great disparities in parental rights, immigration status, inheritance, health care, survivor benefits and other rights arising from DOMA, through personal stories that producer/director Amanda Lucidon, co-producer Scott Anger and their team are continuing to collect and showcase through the website and an in-production documentary film. Operating on a start-up shoestring budget, The Legal Stranger Project is raising funds through a variety of innovative sources including tax-deductible donations on the project website and a crowd-funding campaign conducted earlier this year.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
DADT Repeal Anniversary Marked by Applause, Unfinished Business
Smooth transition to open service and unfinished business mark first anniversary of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal
Sarvis: “We cannot forget - even as we celebrate this day - that there is still work to be done in order to reach full LGBT equality in the military.”
(Washington, DC) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and OutServe, the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel, today applauded and celebrated the one-year anniversary of repeal of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law, praising the smooth transition the military has made in allowing gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans to serve openly in the military and calling on the White House, Pentagon, and Congress to embrace and advance the final work necessary to achieve full LGBT equality in the Armed Forces.
“The one-year anniversary of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal is a significant milestone that should not be minimized. We know from our nation’s top military leaders, as well as our commanders and service members that the historic transition to open service that culminated with repeal a year ago today has been a successful one. Our men and women in uniform from the highest levels at the Pentagon to our service members on the ground are to be commended for marching out smartly and getting the job done,” said Army veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
“We cannot forget - even as we celebrate this day - that there is still work to be done in order to reach full LGBT equality in the military. Even now, families of gay and lesbian service members, veterans, are treated as second-class citizens, unable to receive the same recognition, support, and benefits as the families of their straight, married counterparts. We must repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and all federal laws that prevent the military from providing the same support for all service members and their families. We cannot have two classes of service members,” he said.
OutServe co-founder and co-director Josh Seefried joined Sarvis in praising his fellow service members.
“What we have seen on the ground is exactly what we expected to see. As service members, everyone always knew there were gay and lesbian Americans serving alongside them. The difference now is that we are able to be honest about who we are, and despite what opponents predicted, that has improved unit cohesion, not harmed it. And now, we don’t have to look over our shoulders in fear that we will be discharged from the military we love for simply being gay, lesbian, or bisexual,” he said.
Seefried said, however, that many members of the organization he leads are directly impacted by the lack of benefit and support parity for gay and lesbian service members and their families.
“Gay and lesbian military families sign up for the same service to our country, the same sacrifice, and the same risk. Unfortunately, right now their families do not receive the same benefits or support, and that can have a terribly detrimental effect on them. A deployed service member should never have to worry whether his or her family back home is being cared for while he or she is away or whether or not they will be recognized and supported if the service member does not make it home from the frontlines,” Seefried said.
Also among the issues remaining to be addressed is that of transgender service. Currently, medical regulations prohibit transgender service, though OutServe counts among its more than 6000 members, a number of actively serving transgender military personnel.
"It's a positive step that gays and lesbians serving our country can no longer be discharged just for who they are or whom they love. Sadly, that is not true for transgender people, who have served - and are serving - honorably while sacrificing who they are. Today we are thinking of our trans brothers and sisters, and commit that we will fight for their equality as well,” said Sue Fulton, Executive Director of Knights Out, an organization of West Point alumni, staff and faculty united in supporting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. She is also a member of the OutServe board of directors.
Together, SLDN and OutServe have planned celebrations of the repeal anniversary across the country, kicking the week off on Tuesday, September 18, in New York City with a tribute to former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen. Other events include, but are not limited to:
September 19: 6:00 p.m.
Organized by SLDN, OutServe, South Carolina Equality, Alliance for Full Acceptance & Takeover Charleston
Taco Boy - 217 Huger Street - Charleston, SC
September 20: 5:00 p.m. until close
Organized by SLDN, OutServe
Nellie’s - 900 U Street, NW - Washington, DC
September 20: 7:00 p.m.
Organized by SLDN, OutServe, American Military Partners Association & Equality Hawaii
Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand - 134 Kapahulu Avenue - 2nd Floor - Waikiki - Hawaii
September 22: 6:30 until 9:30 p.m.
Home of Jeff Cleghorn
Address provided upon RSVP - Atlanta, GA
###
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. For more information, visit www.sldn.org.
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. For more information, visit www.outserve.org.
Sarvis: “We cannot forget - even as we celebrate this day - that there is still work to be done in order to reach full LGBT equality in the military.”
(Washington, DC) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and OutServe, the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel, today applauded and celebrated the one-year anniversary of repeal of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law, praising the smooth transition the military has made in allowing gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans to serve openly in the military and calling on the White House, Pentagon, and Congress to embrace and advance the final work necessary to achieve full LGBT equality in the Armed Forces.
“The one-year anniversary of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal is a significant milestone that should not be minimized. We know from our nation’s top military leaders, as well as our commanders and service members that the historic transition to open service that culminated with repeal a year ago today has been a successful one. Our men and women in uniform from the highest levels at the Pentagon to our service members on the ground are to be commended for marching out smartly and getting the job done,” said Army veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
“We cannot forget - even as we celebrate this day - that there is still work to be done in order to reach full LGBT equality in the military. Even now, families of gay and lesbian service members, veterans, are treated as second-class citizens, unable to receive the same recognition, support, and benefits as the families of their straight, married counterparts. We must repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and all federal laws that prevent the military from providing the same support for all service members and their families. We cannot have two classes of service members,” he said.
OutServe co-founder and co-director Josh Seefried joined Sarvis in praising his fellow service members.
“What we have seen on the ground is exactly what we expected to see. As service members, everyone always knew there were gay and lesbian Americans serving alongside them. The difference now is that we are able to be honest about who we are, and despite what opponents predicted, that has improved unit cohesion, not harmed it. And now, we don’t have to look over our shoulders in fear that we will be discharged from the military we love for simply being gay, lesbian, or bisexual,” he said.
Seefried said, however, that many members of the organization he leads are directly impacted by the lack of benefit and support parity for gay and lesbian service members and their families.
“Gay and lesbian military families sign up for the same service to our country, the same sacrifice, and the same risk. Unfortunately, right now their families do not receive the same benefits or support, and that can have a terribly detrimental effect on them. A deployed service member should never have to worry whether his or her family back home is being cared for while he or she is away or whether or not they will be recognized and supported if the service member does not make it home from the frontlines,” Seefried said.
Also among the issues remaining to be addressed is that of transgender service. Currently, medical regulations prohibit transgender service, though OutServe counts among its more than 6000 members, a number of actively serving transgender military personnel.
"It's a positive step that gays and lesbians serving our country can no longer be discharged just for who they are or whom they love. Sadly, that is not true for transgender people, who have served - and are serving - honorably while sacrificing who they are. Today we are thinking of our trans brothers and sisters, and commit that we will fight for their equality as well,” said Sue Fulton, Executive Director of Knights Out, an organization of West Point alumni, staff and faculty united in supporting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. She is also a member of the OutServe board of directors.
Together, SLDN and OutServe have planned celebrations of the repeal anniversary across the country, kicking the week off on Tuesday, September 18, in New York City with a tribute to former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen. Other events include, but are not limited to:
September 19: 6:00 p.m.
Organized by SLDN, OutServe, South Carolina Equality, Alliance for Full Acceptance & Takeover Charleston
Taco Boy - 217 Huger Street - Charleston, SC
September 20: 5:00 p.m. until close
Organized by SLDN, OutServe
Nellie’s - 900 U Street, NW - Washington, DC
September 20: 7:00 p.m.
Organized by SLDN, OutServe, American Military Partners Association & Equality Hawaii
Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand - 134 Kapahulu Avenue - 2nd Floor - Waikiki - Hawaii
September 22: 6:30 until 9:30 p.m.
Home of Jeff Cleghorn
Address provided upon RSVP - Atlanta, GA
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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. For more information, visit www.sldn.org.
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. For more information, visit www.outserve.org.
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