Amid a brave fight for her life, Morgan carries on battle for equality for LGBT service members and families
(Concord, NH) – New Hampshire Governor-Elect Maggie Hassan today announced additional details of her Inaugural Ceremony on Thursday, January 3, 2013 that include Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) Charlie Morgan of the New Hampshire National Guard, who will open the ceremony by leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Morgan, who has been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, has become a nationally recognized advocate against the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which bars her wife, Karen, from receiving military, Social Security and other benefits that would help her care for their five-year-old daughter Casey Elena. Morgan recently announced that her doctors have given her just months to live.
“Charlie Morgan is a national treasure and a treasure to her home state of New Hampshire. We could not be happier that Governor-elect Hassan has chosen to honor her work and her fight for equality in this way,” said Army Veteran & OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson.
The Morgans are plaintiffs in a lawsuit brought by SLDN in October 2011 challenging DOMA and four other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing equal recognition and support to same-sex military spouses. Currently, the Morgans 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.
CW2 Morgan also drew national support in February when she visited Capitol Hill to meet with the staff of Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) to tell her personal story and share how the Speaker's ongoing legal defense of 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.
"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 last September, 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 said at the time.
More information on the Inauguration of Governor-Elect Maggie Hassan may be found 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.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
OutServe-SLDN Statement on Hagel Apology
(Washington, DC) Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson released the following statement in reaction to an aplogy issued today by former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel for remarks made in 1998. The apology was reported by Washington Post.
"We are pleased that Senator Hagel recognized the importance of retracting his previous statement about Ambassador Hormel and affirming his commitment to Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal and LGBT military families. We look forward to learning more about his commitment to full LGBT military equality as this nomination and confirmation process unfolds," she said.
"We are pleased that Senator Hagel recognized the importance of retracting his previous statement about Ambassador Hormel and affirming his commitment to Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal and LGBT military families. We look forward to learning more about his commitment to full LGBT military equality as this nomination and confirmation process unfolds," she said.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Meeting at Fort Bragg Brings No Resolution for Military Family Facing Discrimination by Spouses Group
Robinson calls on Fort Bragg, Pentagon to Lead on LGBT military equality issues
(Fort Bragg, NC) A meeting lasting more than an hour today brought no resolution to nearly two weeks of controversy surrounding the denial of Ashley Broadway, the wife of an Army Lieutenant Colonel, for membership in the Association of Bragg Officer’s Spouses. Ashley and her wife, Lieutenant Colonel Heather Mack, met with Ft. Bragg Garrison Commander Colonel Jeffrey Sanborn, who agreed, at LTC Mack’s suggestion, to schedule a meeting of the spouses’ group with Broadway to discuss the situation.
“Today’s meeting was yet another delay tactic by the command at Fort Bragg and produced nothing more for Ashley and her family than additional delay. Our families don’t need more meetings; they need leadership. We need Lieutenant General Daniel Allyn, the commanding general at Fort Bragg, to use his command influence to bring this discrimination to an end immediately and ensure that Ashley and other same-sex spouses are treated equally in his community,” said Allyson Robinson, Army Veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director.
Robinson renewed her call for the Pentagon to end its two years of silence on issues affecting LGBT military families, including benefits that may be extended to them immediately by the Department of Defense without conflicting with the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. OutServe-SLDN has enumerated these benefits to the Secretary to Defense through a series of communications since January 2011.
“This situation at Fort Bragg is the logical outcome of an abdication of leadership responsibility by the most senior officials at the Pentagon, and it must end now - not only for Ashley Broadway and her family, but for all gay and lesbian military families who put their lives on the line for our nation every single day,” said Robinson.
Robinson first brought the incident to the attention of Fort Bragg leadership on December 11 following a letter publicly released by The American Military Partner Association, which Broadway sent to the spouses’ organization detailing her rejection.
“The facts here are simple: there is no legal need or justification for any spouse to be excluded from a group like this, which exists to provide support to the spouses and families of our military men and women and the communities they serve. This organization operates on Ft. Bragg with the endorsement of the Commanding General, and it is up to him to make clear that there is no room for discrimination against LGBT military families in his community. It’s time for commanders at all levels to demonstrate a real commitment to equal treatment for all military families,” said Robinson.
As a private, non-profit organization not governed by laws that apply to the federal government, there is no legal basis - such as the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) - that would require same-sex military spouses to be excluded from the Association of Bragg Officers’ Spouses. Robinson said there are many such organizations on bases across the U.S. and around the world where same-sex families have been included and welcomed since the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in September 2011.
(Fort Bragg, NC) A meeting lasting more than an hour today brought no resolution to nearly two weeks of controversy surrounding the denial of Ashley Broadway, the wife of an Army Lieutenant Colonel, for membership in the Association of Bragg Officer’s Spouses. Ashley and her wife, Lieutenant Colonel Heather Mack, met with Ft. Bragg Garrison Commander Colonel Jeffrey Sanborn, who agreed, at LTC Mack’s suggestion, to schedule a meeting of the spouses’ group with Broadway to discuss the situation.
“Today’s meeting was yet another delay tactic by the command at Fort Bragg and produced nothing more for Ashley and her family than additional delay. Our families don’t need more meetings; they need leadership. We need Lieutenant General Daniel Allyn, the commanding general at Fort Bragg, to use his command influence to bring this discrimination to an end immediately and ensure that Ashley and other same-sex spouses are treated equally in his community,” said Allyson Robinson, Army Veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director.
Robinson renewed her call for the Pentagon to end its two years of silence on issues affecting LGBT military families, including benefits that may be extended to them immediately by the Department of Defense without conflicting with the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. OutServe-SLDN has enumerated these benefits to the Secretary to Defense through a series of communications since January 2011.
“This situation at Fort Bragg is the logical outcome of an abdication of leadership responsibility by the most senior officials at the Pentagon, and it must end now - not only for Ashley Broadway and her family, but for all gay and lesbian military families who put their lives on the line for our nation every single day,” said Robinson.
Robinson first brought the incident to the attention of Fort Bragg leadership on December 11 following a letter publicly released by The American Military Partner Association, which Broadway sent to the spouses’ organization detailing her rejection.
“The facts here are simple: there is no legal need or justification for any spouse to be excluded from a group like this, which exists to provide support to the spouses and families of our military men and women and the communities they serve. This organization operates on Ft. Bragg with the endorsement of the Commanding General, and it is up to him to make clear that there is no room for discrimination against LGBT military families in his community. It’s time for commanders at all levels to demonstrate a real commitment to equal treatment for all military families,” said Robinson.
As a private, non-profit organization not governed by laws that apply to the federal government, there is no legal basis - such as the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) - that would require same-sex military spouses to be excluded from the Association of Bragg Officers’ Spouses. Robinson said there are many such organizations on bases across the U.S. and around the world where same-sex families have been included and welcomed since the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in September 2011.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Fort Bragg Leadership Will Meet With Ashley Broadway Amid Discrimination Controvers
American Military Partner Association, OutServe-SLDN Release Joint Statement
(Washington, DC) The American Military Partner Association (AMPA) and OutServe-SLDN, the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel, released the following statement regarding the ongoing controversy at Fort Bragg surrounding the denial of membership of Ashley Broadway by the Association of Bragg Officers' Spouses:
"We are pleased to announce that the leadership at Fort Bragg - specifically, Colonel Jeffrey Sanborn, the Garrison Commander - will meet with Ashley Broadway next Thursday to address the discrimination she is facing with the Association of Bragg Officers' Spouses. By agreeing to this meeting, the post leadership is affirming that, indeed, it does have a role to play when a family in its community is treated unfairly by a group that holds itself out as representative of all military families. Ashley looks forward to discussing not only the challenges her family has faced, but those faced by other same-sex military families in the Fort Bragg community. We continue to urge Colonel Sanborn and Commanding General Daniel Allyn to use their considerable influence to remedy this situation for Ashley and pave the way for all military families at Fort Bragg to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equity."
The meeting between Broadway and Fort Bragg leadership will take place Thursday, December 20 at 10:00 a.m.
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ABOUT THE AMERICAN MILITARY PARTNER ASSOCIATION: The American Military Partner Association is the nation’s premier resource and support network for LGBT military families. Founded and led by same-sex military partners in 2009 as the Campaign for Military Partners, AMPA is leading the effort to support LGBT military families. For more information, visitwww.militarypartners.org.
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.
(Washington, DC) The American Military Partner Association (AMPA) and OutServe-SLDN, the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel, released the following statement regarding the ongoing controversy at Fort Bragg surrounding the denial of membership of Ashley Broadway by the Association of Bragg Officers' Spouses:
"We are pleased to announce that the leadership at Fort Bragg - specifically, Colonel Jeffrey Sanborn, the Garrison Commander - will meet with Ashley Broadway next Thursday to address the discrimination she is facing with the Association of Bragg Officers' Spouses. By agreeing to this meeting, the post leadership is affirming that, indeed, it does have a role to play when a family in its community is treated unfairly by a group that holds itself out as representative of all military families. Ashley looks forward to discussing not only the challenges her family has faced, but those faced by other same-sex military families in the Fort Bragg community. We continue to urge Colonel Sanborn and Commanding General Daniel Allyn to use their considerable influence to remedy this situation for Ashley and pave the way for all military families at Fort Bragg to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equity."
The meeting between Broadway and Fort Bragg leadership will take place Thursday, December 20 at 10:00 a.m.
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ABOUT THE AMERICAN MILITARY PARTNER ASSOCIATION: The American Military Partner Association is the nation’s premier resource and support network for LGBT military families. Founded and led by same-sex military partners in 2009 as the Campaign for Military Partners, AMPA is leading the effort to support LGBT military families. For more information, visitwww.militarypartners.org.
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.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Statement by OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson on Reports of Hagel Nomination for Secretary of Defense
(Washington, DC) Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson responded today to reports that former Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska is likely to be nominated by President Barack Obama to succeed Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta:
"At OutServe-SLDN, we expect that anyone being considered by the President for the Secretary of Defense post would embrace one of the signature accomplishments of this administration - the repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell’ - and would be prepared to demonstrate his or her firm commitment to fairness and equality for our nation's men and women in uniform. Finishing the work of repeal - and the important next steps toward achieving equality in the military - need to happen during the tenure of the next Secretary of Defense. Should he become the Secretary, we would look forward to working with Senator Hagel to achieve the President’s priorities for our nation’s armed forces.”
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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.
"At OutServe-SLDN, we expect that anyone being considered by the President for the Secretary of Defense post would embrace one of the signature accomplishments of this administration - the repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell’ - and would be prepared to demonstrate his or her firm commitment to fairness and equality for our nation's men and women in uniform. Finishing the work of repeal - and the important next steps toward achieving equality in the military - need to happen during the tenure of the next Secretary of Defense. Should he become the Secretary, we would look forward to working with Senator Hagel to achieve the President’s priorities for our nation’s armed forces.”
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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.
Robinson: Equality Cannot Wait
OutServe-SLDN Responds to Delay Tactic by Fort Bragg Spouses Group
(WASHINGTON DC) Amid national controversy surrounding its denial of membership to a same-sex military spouse, the Association of Bragg Officers’ Spouses today released a statement indicating it would address the issue at a board meeting next month. In response, Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson called on the group to address the controversy immediately.
“‘Equality can wait’ has never been the answer, but that’s the message the Association of Bragg Officers’ Spouses is sending with its tepid and dismissive statement today. It’s certainly not the answer for Ashley Broadway or the families of gay and lesbian service members at Ft. Bragg and on military installations across the country, who like all our men and women in uniform, need support during the holiday season perhaps more than any other time of the year. The group doesn’t need a meeting; Ashley clearly qualifies under its existing, approved bylaws. It simply needs to accept Ashley into its membership, and it should do so immediately,” Robinson said.
Ashley Broadway detailed her denial of membership in the club in an open letter to its president, Mary Ring, earlier this week. On Tuesday, OutServe-SLDN reached out to the Commanding General at Fort Bragg, Lt. Gen. Daniel Allyn, to make him aware of discrimination against military families happening in his community and request that he address the situation. The command has yet to respond.
Robinson also called out the Pentagon for its nearly two-year long delay in issuing guidance on benefits and support that can be provided to same-sex military families without coming into conflict with the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
“The Pentagon has dragged its feet on this issue for far too long, and it’s time for the Secretary to act. Situations like the one at Ft. Bragg could be avoided if commanders were given the guidance they need to address these issues with consistency. All it takes is the stroke of a pen,” said Robinson.
OutServe-SLDN, previously known as Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, has sent repeated requests to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta outlining steps he can take now to extend recognition, benefits, and support to gay and lesbian military families.
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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.
(WASHINGTON DC) Amid national controversy surrounding its denial of membership to a same-sex military spouse, the Association of Bragg Officers’ Spouses today released a statement indicating it would address the issue at a board meeting next month. In response, Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson called on the group to address the controversy immediately.
“‘Equality can wait’ has never been the answer, but that’s the message the Association of Bragg Officers’ Spouses is sending with its tepid and dismissive statement today. It’s certainly not the answer for Ashley Broadway or the families of gay and lesbian service members at Ft. Bragg and on military installations across the country, who like all our men and women in uniform, need support during the holiday season perhaps more than any other time of the year. The group doesn’t need a meeting; Ashley clearly qualifies under its existing, approved bylaws. It simply needs to accept Ashley into its membership, and it should do so immediately,” Robinson said.
Ashley Broadway detailed her denial of membership in the club in an open letter to its president, Mary Ring, earlier this week. On Tuesday, OutServe-SLDN reached out to the Commanding General at Fort Bragg, Lt. Gen. Daniel Allyn, to make him aware of discrimination against military families happening in his community and request that he address the situation. The command has yet to respond.
Robinson also called out the Pentagon for its nearly two-year long delay in issuing guidance on benefits and support that can be provided to same-sex military families without coming into conflict with the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
“The Pentagon has dragged its feet on this issue for far too long, and it’s time for the Secretary to act. Situations like the one at Ft. Bragg could be avoided if commanders were given the guidance they need to address these issues with consistency. All it takes is the stroke of a pen,” said Robinson.
OutServe-SLDN, previously known as Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, has sent repeated requests to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta outlining steps he can take now to extend recognition, benefits, and support to gay and lesbian military families.
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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.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
The Arcus Foundation Makes “New Leadership” Grant to Support OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson
Foundation plans to launch leadership initiative in 2013
(NEW YORK, NY) The Arcus Foundation announced today a grant of $50,000 to Out-Serve-SLDN, the global association of actively-serving LGBT U.S. military personnel, to support the leadership of Allyson Robinson, the association’s newly-appointed executive director. The grant is the first of a number of “New Leadership” grants the Foundation plans to make in support of promising social justice leaders and their work. The one-time grants will be an element in a larger initiative that Arcus will launch in 2013 to advance the caliber, diversity and effectiveness of social justice leadership. The initiative is intended to support the leaders’ ability to reach out to key partners, build effective alliances and realize professional development.
“Investments in leadership are key to the success of any movement, and that is why we decided to complement our grantmaking work with these ‘New Leadership ‘ grants,“ said Kevin Jennings, the Foundation’s executive director. “As a soldier, activist and minister, Allyson Robinson has already made extraordinary contributions to our country and to the world. In her new role at OutServe-SLDN, she has a tremendous opportunity for make further positive impact, and this grant is intended to help her maximize that potential.”
Robinson was named Executive Director at OutServe-SLDN in October. In addition to being the newly-combined organization’s first executive director, she is the first transgender person ever named to head a national non-trans-specific LGBT organization. A native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, 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 Human Rights Campaign 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, Maryland.
“It is an incredible honor to be the first organization chosen as part of Arcus’ leadership initiative. It’s an indication of how important the fight to achieve full LGBT military equality is in our movement and the important role this new generation of LGBT military leaders can and will play in advancing our progress as a community,” said Robinson.
OutServe-SLDN is the association of more than 6000 actively-serving LGBT U.S. military personnel with more than 50 chapters 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.
The Arcus Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation that supports organizations around the world working to advance equality across the spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities (SOGI) as well as conservation of the world's great apes. Founded in 2000 by Jon Stryker, the mission of the Arcus Foundation is to achieve social justice that is inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity and race, and to ensure conservation and respect of the great apes. The Foundation works globally and has offices in Kalamazoo, Michigan, New York City and Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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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.
(NEW YORK, NY) The Arcus Foundation announced today a grant of $50,000 to Out-Serve-SLDN, the global association of actively-serving LGBT U.S. military personnel, to support the leadership of Allyson Robinson, the association’s newly-appointed executive director. The grant is the first of a number of “New Leadership” grants the Foundation plans to make in support of promising social justice leaders and their work. The one-time grants will be an element in a larger initiative that Arcus will launch in 2013 to advance the caliber, diversity and effectiveness of social justice leadership. The initiative is intended to support the leaders’ ability to reach out to key partners, build effective alliances and realize professional development.
“Investments in leadership are key to the success of any movement, and that is why we decided to complement our grantmaking work with these ‘New Leadership ‘ grants,“ said Kevin Jennings, the Foundation’s executive director. “As a soldier, activist and minister, Allyson Robinson has already made extraordinary contributions to our country and to the world. In her new role at OutServe-SLDN, she has a tremendous opportunity for make further positive impact, and this grant is intended to help her maximize that potential.”
Robinson was named Executive Director at OutServe-SLDN in October. In addition to being the newly-combined organization’s first executive director, she is the first transgender person ever named to head a national non-trans-specific LGBT organization. A native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, 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 Human Rights Campaign 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, Maryland.
“It is an incredible honor to be the first organization chosen as part of Arcus’ leadership initiative. It’s an indication of how important the fight to achieve full LGBT military equality is in our movement and the important role this new generation of LGBT military leaders can and will play in advancing our progress as a community,” said Robinson.
OutServe-SLDN is the association of more than 6000 actively-serving LGBT U.S. military personnel with more than 50 chapters 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.
The Arcus Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation that supports organizations around the world working to advance equality across the spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities (SOGI) as well as conservation of the world's great apes. Founded in 2000 by Jon Stryker, the mission of the Arcus Foundation is to achieve social justice that is inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity and race, and to ensure conservation and respect of the great apes. The Foundation works globally and has offices in Kalamazoo, Michigan, New York City and Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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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.
Robinson: Discrimination at Fort Bragg Must Be Addressed
OutServe-SLDN will weigh in with base leadership amid mounting concern over discrimination against LGBT military family
(Washington DC) Army Veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson said late Tuesday that she would reach out to fellow West Point graduate and Fort Bragg Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, as speculation mounts that a same-sex military spouse is being discriminated against by the Association of Bragg Officers’ Spouses. The denial of membership to Ashley Broadway, the legally married same-sex spouse of an active duty Army Lieutenant Colonel, was first made public on Monday in an open letter Broadway wrote to the Association’s leadership. Since then, the Association reportedly changed its web site to reflect a requirement not previously included in its bylaws in an apparent attempt to justify its exclusion of Broadway.
“The facts here are simple: there is no legal need or justification for any spouse to be excluded from a group like this, which exists to provide support to the spouses and families of our military men and women and the communities they serve. Though the organization operates on Ft. Bragg with permission from the Commanding General, the group is not formally affiliated with the military and is not required to bar membership to Ashley. In the absence of a reply from the Association, we are left with no option but to reach out to the base’s leadership. General Allyn needs to know if there is discrimination happening against the military families in his community,” said Robinson.
As a private, non-profit organization not governed by laws that apply to the federal government, there is no legal basis - such as the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) - that would require same-sex military spouses to be excluded from the Association of Bragg Officers’ Spouses. Robinson said there are many such organizations on bases across the U.S. and around the world where same-sex families have been included and welcomed since the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in September 2011.
“General Allyn and I both learned in our first weeks at West Point that impartiality is a hallmark of effective leaders. As new cadets, we were both required to commit to memory a quote from General William Jennings Worth, who led American troops in the War of 1812. Worth states that for a commander, ‘to be partial is to dishonor both himself and the object of his ill-advised favor.’ With programs such as these, which are not bound by a federal definition of marriage, commanders like General Allyn should use their influence to ensure all service members' families are treated equally,” said Robinson.
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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.
(Washington DC) Army Veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson said late Tuesday that she would reach out to fellow West Point graduate and Fort Bragg Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, as speculation mounts that a same-sex military spouse is being discriminated against by the Association of Bragg Officers’ Spouses. The denial of membership to Ashley Broadway, the legally married same-sex spouse of an active duty Army Lieutenant Colonel, was first made public on Monday in an open letter Broadway wrote to the Association’s leadership. Since then, the Association reportedly changed its web site to reflect a requirement not previously included in its bylaws in an apparent attempt to justify its exclusion of Broadway.
“The facts here are simple: there is no legal need or justification for any spouse to be excluded from a group like this, which exists to provide support to the spouses and families of our military men and women and the communities they serve. Though the organization operates on Ft. Bragg with permission from the Commanding General, the group is not formally affiliated with the military and is not required to bar membership to Ashley. In the absence of a reply from the Association, we are left with no option but to reach out to the base’s leadership. General Allyn needs to know if there is discrimination happening against the military families in his community,” said Robinson.
As a private, non-profit organization not governed by laws that apply to the federal government, there is no legal basis - such as the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) - that would require same-sex military spouses to be excluded from the Association of Bragg Officers’ Spouses. Robinson said there are many such organizations on bases across the U.S. and around the world where same-sex families have been included and welcomed since the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in September 2011.
“General Allyn and I both learned in our first weeks at West Point that impartiality is a hallmark of effective leaders. As new cadets, we were both required to commit to memory a quote from General William Jennings Worth, who led American troops in the War of 1812. Worth states that for a commander, ‘to be partial is to dishonor both himself and the object of his ill-advised favor.’ With programs such as these, which are not bound by a federal definition of marriage, commanders like General Allyn should use their influence to ensure all service members' families are treated equally,” said Robinson.
###
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.
Friday, December 7, 2012
OutServe-SLDN Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Hear DOMA, Prop 8 Cases
(WASHINGTON, DC) Army Veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson released the following statement in response today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to grant cert. in Windsor v. United States.
“The Supreme Court has rightly decided to address the constitutionality of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and we are confident that at the end of this process, this law – just like “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” – will be relegated to the dustbin of history where it belongs.”
In October 2011, OutServe-SLDN (then known as Servicemembers Legal Defense Network) filed landmark litigation on behalf of eight plaintiff couples challenging DOMA and other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing the same recognition, support, and benefits to all service members, veterans and their families. The case is currently stayed.
“The harm done to our brave service members and their families, and to our national security, by the Defense of Marriage Act is unconscionable. These are American patriots making the same sacrifices, providing the same service, and taking the same risks as their straight counterparts. They should not be treated as second class citizens,” said Robinson.
Robinson also congratulated the plaintiffs in Hollingsworth v. Perry, commonly known as the Prop 8 case, as well as the American Foundation for Equal Rights. The Court announced its decision to hear arguments in that case as well.
“The bravery of these plaintiffs and the tenacity of the American Foundation for Equal Rights and its founder Chad Griffin have been key catalysts in the movement we have seen across this nation on marriage equality. Today, we honor their work, applaud their leadership, and vow to keep up the fight until every American enjoys the freedom to marry under the law,” said Robinson.
NOTE TO MEDIA: OutServe-SLDN's legal, policy, and military experts - including LGBT service members and veterans - are available for interviews regarding today’s developments. For bookings, please contact Zeke Stokes at 202-621-5406 or zeke@outserve-sldn.org
###
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.
“The Supreme Court has rightly decided to address the constitutionality of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and we are confident that at the end of this process, this law – just like “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” – will be relegated to the dustbin of history where it belongs.”
In October 2011, OutServe-SLDN (then known as Servicemembers Legal Defense Network) filed landmark litigation on behalf of eight plaintiff couples challenging DOMA and other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing the same recognition, support, and benefits to all service members, veterans and their families. The case is currently stayed.
“The harm done to our brave service members and their families, and to our national security, by the Defense of Marriage Act is unconscionable. These are American patriots making the same sacrifices, providing the same service, and taking the same risks as their straight counterparts. They should not be treated as second class citizens,” said Robinson.
Robinson also congratulated the plaintiffs in Hollingsworth v. Perry, commonly known as the Prop 8 case, as well as the American Foundation for Equal Rights. The Court announced its decision to hear arguments in that case as well.
“The bravery of these plaintiffs and the tenacity of the American Foundation for Equal Rights and its founder Chad Griffin have been key catalysts in the movement we have seen across this nation on marriage equality. Today, we honor their work, applaud their leadership, and vow to keep up the fight until every American enjoys the freedom to marry under the law,” said Robinson.
NOTE TO MEDIA: OutServe-SLDN's legal, policy, and military experts - including LGBT service members and veterans - are available for interviews regarding today’s developments. For bookings, please contact Zeke Stokes at 202-621-5406 or zeke@outserve-sldn.org
###
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.
OutServe-SLDN Praises Senate for Passage of Responsible Defense Authorization Bill
No harmful provisions from House bill included that would impact LGBT service members, families
(WASHINGTON, DC) Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson praised U.S. Senate leaders today for passage of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that does not include harmful language adopted by the House of Representatives last spring. The House-passed bill would limit the use of Department of Defense facilities, negatively impact military chaplains, and undermine successful "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) repeal implementation.
"OutServe-SLDN and our allies have been working throughout the year to encourage Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill to pass a common-sense defense bill that respects the service of all who wear our nation’s uniform and does not turn the clock back on the progress we have made. Chairman Levin and Ranking Member McCain of the Senate Armed Services Committee should be commended for their stewardship of this bill. With no anti-LGBT provisions, the bill received full bipartisan support, passing 98-0. We will be standing firm to ensure that the harmful language included in the House version is stripped away in conference committee," said Robinson.
The House passed its version of the NDAA on May 18 and included two harmful amendments put forth by opponents of LGBT military equality. The first would give so-called "conscience protections" to chaplains and all other service members who do not wish to minister and work with gay and lesbian service members. A threat to military readiness and unit cohesion, this amendment would allow service members to actively harass their fellow comrades for their perceived or actual sexual orientation. It would also give chaplains free rein to discriminate against service members on any basis (including religion, gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other characteristic) simply by arguing that ministering to them would be contrary to their "conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs."
A second provision in the House version of the bill would prohibit the use of Department of Defense property for same-gender marriage ceremonies.
“The Department of Defense has already made it clear - and appropriately so - that decisions about the use of facilities should be made on a sexual orientation neutral basis. Anything else is discrimination, pure and simple,” said Robinson.
###
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.
(WASHINGTON, DC) Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson praised U.S. Senate leaders today for passage of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that does not include harmful language adopted by the House of Representatives last spring. The House-passed bill would limit the use of Department of Defense facilities, negatively impact military chaplains, and undermine successful "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) repeal implementation.
"OutServe-SLDN and our allies have been working throughout the year to encourage Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill to pass a common-sense defense bill that respects the service of all who wear our nation’s uniform and does not turn the clock back on the progress we have made. Chairman Levin and Ranking Member McCain of the Senate Armed Services Committee should be commended for their stewardship of this bill. With no anti-LGBT provisions, the bill received full bipartisan support, passing 98-0. We will be standing firm to ensure that the harmful language included in the House version is stripped away in conference committee," said Robinson.
The House passed its version of the NDAA on May 18 and included two harmful amendments put forth by opponents of LGBT military equality. The first would give so-called "conscience protections" to chaplains and all other service members who do not wish to minister and work with gay and lesbian service members. A threat to military readiness and unit cohesion, this amendment would allow service members to actively harass their fellow comrades for their perceived or actual sexual orientation. It would also give chaplains free rein to discriminate against service members on any basis (including religion, gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other characteristic) simply by arguing that ministering to them would be contrary to their "conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs."
A second provision in the House version of the bill would prohibit the use of Department of Defense property for same-gender marriage ceremonies.
“The Department of Defense has already made it clear - and appropriately so - that decisions about the use of facilities should be made on a sexual orientation neutral basis. Anything else is discrimination, pure and simple,” said Robinson.
###
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.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
OS-SLDN Statement on Jeh Johnson Announcement of Resignation at Department of Defense
(WASHINGTON, DC) Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson released the following statement today in response to the announcement of the resignation of Jeh Johnson as General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Defense:
"At OutServe-SLDN, we appreciate, admire, and applaud the critical leadership role that Jeh Johnson played in the repeal of the discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law as General Counsel at the Department of Defense. He has earned not only our respect, but also a place in history as a warrior for fairness and equality for all Americans. We wish him the best as he returns to private practice, where we know he will continue to use his considerable talents to make our nation a better place."
###
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.
"At OutServe-SLDN, we appreciate, admire, and applaud the critical leadership role that Jeh Johnson played in the repeal of the discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law as General Counsel at the Department of Defense. He has earned not only our respect, but also a place in history as a warrior for fairness and equality for all Americans. We wish him the best as he returns to private practice, where we know he will continue to use his considerable talents to make our nation a better place."
###
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.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Army Veteran, OutServe-SLDN Board member Brenda S. “Sue” Fulton weds in first same-sex ceremony at West Point Cadet Chapel
(West Point, NY) Army Veteran and OutServe-SLDN Board member Brenda S. “Sue” Fulton today married long time Penelope Dara Gnesin at the Cadet Chapel at West Point. A member of the first class to include women at West Point in 1980, she now serves as a presidential appointee to its Board of Visitors. Fulton is also the Executive Director of Executive Director of Knights Out, an organization of LGBT West Point graduates and allies. She joined OutServe-SLDN’s newly combined Board in October 2012. The ceremony, scheduled for 2pm today, will be the first same-sex wedding at the Cadet Chapel. Last week, Army 1st Lieut. Ellen Schick married Ms. Shannon Simpson at the Old Cadet Chapel, a smaller venue on Academy grounds.
“West Point holds special significance to both me and Penny,” said Fulton “From the time I was a cadet, what West Point stands for – integrity, leadership, selfless service – have been my touchstones. When Penny and I worked on ending ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ we kept coming back to the core value of integrity, and that’s what made a difference. To be able to legalize our union here, especially at the Cadet Chapel, is really important to us.”
The couple met in 1995 during a community sing. Penny attended a local event with singer-songwriter Carolyn McDade. While most of the participants sang melody, Sue’s contralto harmony caught Penny’s ear and ultimately brought the two to together.
"Witnessing the joining of Sue and Penny in holy matrimony in this sacred place means a great deal to gay and lesbian alumni of West Point, and to all LGBT service members," said OutServe-SLDN executive director and West Point alumna Allyson Robinson. "It sends a clear message that we, too, are part of the 'Long Gray Line' of graduates and that we will not back down until our families receive the same respect and the same benefits other military families do." Robinson attended the ceremony with her wife Danyelle, also a graduate; the two were married at the Cadet Chapel in 1994 (prior to her gender transition). "We at OutServe-SLDN are so proud of Sue and Penny and wish them many more happy years together."
Penny being a life-long New Jerseyan, they planned to marry in their home state of New Jersey when the state assembly passed a marriage equality bill. However Gov. Chris Christie vetoed the measure forcing the couple to rethink their plans.
“I just didn’t want to wait any longer,” said Sue who proposed over the summer. The couple held a commitment ceremony in 1999, though it held no legal significance.
“I still hope that our home state will recognize marriage equality, but Penny—as strong as she is—is a breast cancer survivor, and has been dealing with Multiple Sclerosis for more than ten years. We cannot wait for a governor who thinks everyone should get to vote on whether, after 17 years together, we are really married.”
Penny is philosophical about the importance of legal recognition and being able to have the ceremony at West Point: "It feels like the end of an era of repression, of inequality - and end to the time of 'you're not good enough.' I feel like I can hold my head up higher, stand up straighter, with the person I've chosen to spend my life with."
The celebrants are Episcopalian Army Chaplain (Colonel) Wesley Smith, Senior Army Chaplain of Mortuary Affairs at Dover Air Force Base (DE); and Rev. Vanessa Southern, Unitarian Universalist, and pastor of the Unitarian Universalist Church at Summit (NJ).
At the closing blessing, Smith and Southern will be joined at the altar by a Reform Jewish rabbi as well as ministers from Presbyterian, Baptist, United Church of Christ, Unitarian Universalist, and Metropolitan Community Churches. All are friends of the couple.
“We know many clergy, and we're honored to have Chaplain Smith and Reverend Southern to officiate."
Sue, 53, works at a pharmaceutical company in New Jersey. She was honorably discharged from the Army at the rank of captain.
She is the daughter of Benjamin D. and Clara Bevis Fulton of Lakeland, FL. Her father, a Navy veteran, was a teacher at Martin County High School. Her mother, who is also retired, was the first female principal at Martin County High School.
Penny, 52, is a holistic healer and director of the women’s choir, Giving Voice. She graduated from Rutgers University and is medically retired from AT&T.
She is a daughter of Oscar and Sylvia Katz Gnesin of Long Branch, N.J., both deceased. Her mother was a history teacher and an attorney for the local teachers’ union. Her father worked as an electrical engineer for the U.S. government.
Giving Voice, a women’s a cappella chorus, was founded by Penny 18 months ago, and is based at the Universal Unitarian Congregation of Monmouth County, Lincroft, N.J. Giving Voice was joined by three members of Olympia’s Daughters, founded and directed by Penny from 1989 to 2009.
The couple is postponing their honeymoon until next year.
For interviews with Fulton and Gnesin media may contact Erica Reardon at erica@outserve-sldn.org.
###
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.
“West Point holds special significance to both me and Penny,” said Fulton “From the time I was a cadet, what West Point stands for – integrity, leadership, selfless service – have been my touchstones. When Penny and I worked on ending ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ we kept coming back to the core value of integrity, and that’s what made a difference. To be able to legalize our union here, especially at the Cadet Chapel, is really important to us.”
The couple met in 1995 during a community sing. Penny attended a local event with singer-songwriter Carolyn McDade. While most of the participants sang melody, Sue’s contralto harmony caught Penny’s ear and ultimately brought the two to together.
"Witnessing the joining of Sue and Penny in holy matrimony in this sacred place means a great deal to gay and lesbian alumni of West Point, and to all LGBT service members," said OutServe-SLDN executive director and West Point alumna Allyson Robinson. "It sends a clear message that we, too, are part of the 'Long Gray Line' of graduates and that we will not back down until our families receive the same respect and the same benefits other military families do." Robinson attended the ceremony with her wife Danyelle, also a graduate; the two were married at the Cadet Chapel in 1994 (prior to her gender transition). "We at OutServe-SLDN are so proud of Sue and Penny and wish them many more happy years together."
Penny being a life-long New Jerseyan, they planned to marry in their home state of New Jersey when the state assembly passed a marriage equality bill. However Gov. Chris Christie vetoed the measure forcing the couple to rethink their plans.
“I just didn’t want to wait any longer,” said Sue who proposed over the summer. The couple held a commitment ceremony in 1999, though it held no legal significance.
“I still hope that our home state will recognize marriage equality, but Penny—as strong as she is—is a breast cancer survivor, and has been dealing with Multiple Sclerosis for more than ten years. We cannot wait for a governor who thinks everyone should get to vote on whether, after 17 years together, we are really married.”
Penny is philosophical about the importance of legal recognition and being able to have the ceremony at West Point: "It feels like the end of an era of repression, of inequality - and end to the time of 'you're not good enough.' I feel like I can hold my head up higher, stand up straighter, with the person I've chosen to spend my life with."
The celebrants are Episcopalian Army Chaplain (Colonel) Wesley Smith, Senior Army Chaplain of Mortuary Affairs at Dover Air Force Base (DE); and Rev. Vanessa Southern, Unitarian Universalist, and pastor of the Unitarian Universalist Church at Summit (NJ).
At the closing blessing, Smith and Southern will be joined at the altar by a Reform Jewish rabbi as well as ministers from Presbyterian, Baptist, United Church of Christ, Unitarian Universalist, and Metropolitan Community Churches. All are friends of the couple.
“We know many clergy, and we're honored to have Chaplain Smith and Reverend Southern to officiate."
Sue, 53, works at a pharmaceutical company in New Jersey. She was honorably discharged from the Army at the rank of captain.
She is the daughter of Benjamin D. and Clara Bevis Fulton of Lakeland, FL. Her father, a Navy veteran, was a teacher at Martin County High School. Her mother, who is also retired, was the first female principal at Martin County High School.
Penny, 52, is a holistic healer and director of the women’s choir, Giving Voice. She graduated from Rutgers University and is medically retired from AT&T.
She is a daughter of Oscar and Sylvia Katz Gnesin of Long Branch, N.J., both deceased. Her mother was a history teacher and an attorney for the local teachers’ union. Her father worked as an electrical engineer for the U.S. government.
Giving Voice, a women’s a cappella chorus, was founded by Penny 18 months ago, and is based at the Universal Unitarian Congregation of Monmouth County, Lincroft, N.J. Giving Voice was joined by three members of Olympia’s Daughters, founded and directed by Penny from 1989 to 2009.
The couple is postponing their honeymoon until next year.
For interviews with Fulton and Gnesin media may contact Erica Reardon at erica@outserve-sldn.org.
###
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.
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