(Washington, DC) In a 5 to 4 decision, the United States Supreme Court today ruled in the case U.S. v. Windsor that part of the so called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which became law in 1996, is unconstitutional because it is a deprivation of the equal protection of the law guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. Today’s ruling strikes down Section 3 of the law which allowed the federal government to recognize only marriages between a man and a woman.
“Today, we congratulate plaintiff Edie Windsor, her incredible legal team, and all those who have stood up for the freedom to marry in America. This victory is especially sweet for our nation’s lesbian, gay, and bisexual service members, who can now not only serve openly, but can serve knowing that their loving, committed, and legal marriages will be recognized by the military they serve and the nation they protect,” said Army veteran and OutServeSLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson.
Currently twelve states and the District of Columbia permit samegender marriages. Robinson said today’s victory adds to the rapidly growing momentum for marriage in the U.S.
“This victory energizes our work moving forward and lays a new, strong foundation for ensuring marriage for all loving and committed couples in our country across all fifty states,” said Robinson.
Robinson thanked the plaintiffs in OutServeSLDN’s landmark litigation, McLaughlin v. Panetta, which was filed in October 2011 on behalf of eight married gay and lesbian military couples seeking equal recognition, support, and benefits, for their part in bringing the stories of gay and lesbian military families to the fore. Despite today’s ruling, the McLaughlin case will move forward because the case challenges the constitutionality of other statutes in addition to DOMA.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the McLaughlin plaintiffs today, including the late Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan and her family, all of whom courageously stepped forward to do something very difficult: to file suit against their employer, the Department of Defense, as well the Department of Veterans Affairs. In doing so, they stood up not only for their own families, but for countless LGBT military families they will never know. Their stories have been, and will continue to be, a gamechanger as the marriage fight marches forward,” said Robinson.
Robinson called on the Pentagon to act immediately and unequivocally to implement today’s ruling.“Secretary Hagel has already demonstrated his commitment to LGBT military families, just as he promised he would during his confirmation. Today the Court cleared the way for him to take the next step. We expect Secretary Hagel to act so that all families affected by today’s ruling gain access to full recognition, benefits, and support no later than sixty days from today. OutServeSLDN will be working with the Pentagon and the VA to ensure that the greatest number of federal protections, responsibilities and programs are available to all military couples as soon as possible,” said Robinson.
ABOUT OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6500 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 nonpartisan, nonprofit, 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.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Straight Military Allies Featured in New Video
Military Campaign Releases Video Featuring Straight Allies for Equality
(Washington, DC) Today, Freedom to Marry and Outserve-SLDN released the latest video in their “Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry” campaign series, featuring three prominent straight allies – Retired Rear Admiral Jamie Barnett, Army Major Mary Bergner, and former Congressman and Army Captain Patrick Murphy – speaking out in support of married gay and lesbian service members. The so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prevents legally married same-sex couples from receiving over 1,100 federal protections that opposite-sex couples receive.
“What a tremendous day when ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ was repealed,” says Retired Rear Admiral Barnett in the video. “The challenge now is not letting anybody think that it’s over. There’s still law that embeds discrimination.”
“I always fought for equality and believed in equality,” adds Army Major Bergner.
The video can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMxDSXQFW2k.
This is the final pre-DOMA decision video of a year-long series by Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry to highlight the harms of DOMA on service people. Previously released videos feature married same-sex military couples such as the late Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan of the New Hampshire National Guard and her wife Karen; Captain Steve M. Hill and his husband Josh Snyder; and Major Shannon McLaughlin and her wife Casey.
“America’s gay and lesbian service members are just as brave, courageous, and heroic as non-gay soldiers, yet they are still barred from sharing in the critical safety-net of protections that come with being legally married,” said Evan Wolfson, founder and president of Freedom to Marry. “No service member should have to worry about their family while they are risking their lives overseas. It’s time for the federal government to give gay and lesbian soldiers, their military spouses, and their families the same respect and support that non-gay soldiers receive, and strike down the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.”
“As we await the Supreme Court’s decision, we are reminded that this is not just a gay or lesbian issue. This goes to the heart of readiness, retention, and cohesion, and America’s service members and veterans - no matter what their sexual orientation - know that this is a discriminatory and harmful law that must be relegated to the dustbins of history,” said Army Veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson.
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 OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6500 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) Today, Freedom to Marry and Outserve-SLDN released the latest video in their “Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry” campaign series, featuring three prominent straight allies – Retired Rear Admiral Jamie Barnett, Army Major Mary Bergner, and former Congressman and Army Captain Patrick Murphy – speaking out in support of married gay and lesbian service members. The so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prevents legally married same-sex couples from receiving over 1,100 federal protections that opposite-sex couples receive.
“What a tremendous day when ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ was repealed,” says Retired Rear Admiral Barnett in the video. “The challenge now is not letting anybody think that it’s over. There’s still law that embeds discrimination.”
“I always fought for equality and believed in equality,” adds Army Major Bergner.
The video can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMxDSXQFW2k.
This is the final pre-DOMA decision video of a year-long series by Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry to highlight the harms of DOMA on service people. Previously released videos feature married same-sex military couples such as the late Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan of the New Hampshire National Guard and her wife Karen; Captain Steve M. Hill and his husband Josh Snyder; and Major Shannon McLaughlin and her wife Casey.
“America’s gay and lesbian service members are just as brave, courageous, and heroic as non-gay soldiers, yet they are still barred from sharing in the critical safety-net of protections that come with being legally married,” said Evan Wolfson, founder and president of Freedom to Marry. “No service member should have to worry about their family while they are risking their lives overseas. It’s time for the federal government to give gay and lesbian soldiers, their military spouses, and their families the same respect and support that non-gay soldiers receive, and strike down the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.”
“As we await the Supreme Court’s decision, we are reminded that this is not just a gay or lesbian issue. This goes to the heart of readiness, retention, and cohesion, and America’s service members and veterans - no matter what their sexual orientation - know that this is a discriminatory and harmful law that must be relegated to the dustbins of history,” said Army Veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson.
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 OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6500 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.
Monday, June 17, 2013
LGB Service Members to Close NYSE June 28
LGB Service Members Set to Ring New York Stock Exchange Closing Bell June 28
OutServe-SLDN NYC Pride Kickoff Happy Hour will follow historic Wall Street closing ceremony
(New York, NY) OutServe-SLDN announced today that the co-chair of its board of directors, Air Force Officer Josh Seefried, who co-founded the OutServe network in 2010, will join actively serving gay and lesbian service members for an historic Closing Bell ceremony on Friday, June 28. The afternoon will begin with a panel discussion before the group rings the closing bell to end the New York Stock Exchange's trading day. The Wall Street events will be followed by a Happy Hour to kick off New York City Pride Weekend.
“OutServe-SLDN thanks the New York Stock Exchange for recognizing the courage and sacrifice of America’s LGB service members in this way, and we are thrilled to be invited to ring the closing bell as New York City Pride weekend begins,” said Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson.
At 2:30 p.m. EDT, the New York Stock Exchange will host a panel discussion in the Exchange’s board room, featuring Seefried and other actively serving LGB members of the armed forces, who will share their perspectives on serving following the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The panel will be introduced by NYSE Euronext COO Lawrence Leibowitz, and moderated by former Interbank Roundtable Committee Co-Chair and Citibank Director Andrew Sendall, who is a former US Air Force officer.
At 4:00 p.m. EDT, the group of actively serving LGB service members will ring The NYSE Closing Bell®.
At 5:30, the service members will move to RockBar, located at 185 Christopher Street, where they will be the honored guests at an OutServe-SLDN Happy Hour to kick off New York City Pride Weekend. The public is invited to the Happy Hour event, which will feature performances by The Broadway Boys. Tickets start at $25 and are available here:http://osnycpride.eventbrite.com/
ABOUT OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6500 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.
ABOUT NYSE EURONEXT: NYSE Euronext (NYX) is a leading global operator of financial markets and provider of innovative trading technologies. The company's exchanges in Europe and the United States trade equities, futures, options, fixed-income and exchange-traded products. With approximately 8,000 listed issues (excluding European Structured Products), NYSE Euronext's equities markets - the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Euronext, NYSE MKT, NYSE Alternext and NYSE Arca - represent one-third of the world’s equities trading, the most liquidity of any global exchange group. NYSE Euronext also operates NYSE Liffe, one of the leading European derivatives businesses and the world's second-largest derivatives business by value of trading. The company offers comprehensive commercial technology, connectivity and market data products and services through NYSE Technologies. NYSE Euronext is in the S&P 500 index. For more information, please visit: http://www.nyx.com.
ABOUT INTERBANK ROUNDTABLE COMMITTEE: The Interbank Roundtable Committee’s (IRC) is a voluntary NY-based ‘network of networks’ with representatives from 28 financial services industry organization’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Employee Resource Groups (ERG). The IRC serves as an open forum where members share best practices on promoting inclusive work environments and policies, engaging senior management and straight allies, building ERG membership and coordinating networking, professional development, and philanthropic activities across the industry. The IRC helps members build their professional network within the financial industry, while also promoting the financial industry as the industry of choice for LGBT individuals. For more information, visit www.interbanknyc.org.
OutServe-SLDN NYC Pride Kickoff Happy Hour will follow historic Wall Street closing ceremony
(New York, NY) OutServe-SLDN announced today that the co-chair of its board of directors, Air Force Officer Josh Seefried, who co-founded the OutServe network in 2010, will join actively serving gay and lesbian service members for an historic Closing Bell ceremony on Friday, June 28. The afternoon will begin with a panel discussion before the group rings the closing bell to end the New York Stock Exchange's trading day. The Wall Street events will be followed by a Happy Hour to kick off New York City Pride Weekend.
“OutServe-SLDN thanks the New York Stock Exchange for recognizing the courage and sacrifice of America’s LGB service members in this way, and we are thrilled to be invited to ring the closing bell as New York City Pride weekend begins,” said Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson.
At 2:30 p.m. EDT, the New York Stock Exchange will host a panel discussion in the Exchange’s board room, featuring Seefried and other actively serving LGB members of the armed forces, who will share their perspectives on serving following the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The panel will be introduced by NYSE Euronext COO Lawrence Leibowitz, and moderated by former Interbank Roundtable Committee Co-Chair and Citibank Director Andrew Sendall, who is a former US Air Force officer.
At 4:00 p.m. EDT, the group of actively serving LGB service members will ring The NYSE Closing Bell®.
At 5:30, the service members will move to RockBar, located at 185 Christopher Street, where they will be the honored guests at an OutServe-SLDN Happy Hour to kick off New York City Pride Weekend. The public is invited to the Happy Hour event, which will feature performances by The Broadway Boys. Tickets start at $25 and are available here:http://osnycpride.eventbrite.com/
ABOUT OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6500 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.
ABOUT NYSE EURONEXT: NYSE Euronext (NYX) is a leading global operator of financial markets and provider of innovative trading technologies. The company's exchanges in Europe and the United States trade equities, futures, options, fixed-income and exchange-traded products. With approximately 8,000 listed issues (excluding European Structured Products), NYSE Euronext's equities markets - the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Euronext, NYSE MKT, NYSE Alternext and NYSE Arca - represent one-third of the world’s equities trading, the most liquidity of any global exchange group. NYSE Euronext also operates NYSE Liffe, one of the leading European derivatives businesses and the world's second-largest derivatives business by value of trading. The company offers comprehensive commercial technology, connectivity and market data products and services through NYSE Technologies. NYSE Euronext is in the S&P 500 index. For more information, please visit: http://www.nyx.com.
ABOUT INTERBANK ROUNDTABLE COMMITTEE: The Interbank Roundtable Committee’s (IRC) is a voluntary NY-based ‘network of networks’ with representatives from 28 financial services industry organization’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Employee Resource Groups (ERG). The IRC serves as an open forum where members share best practices on promoting inclusive work environments and policies, engaging senior management and straight allies, building ERG membership and coordinating networking, professional development, and philanthropic activities across the industry. The IRC helps members build their professional network within the financial industry, while also promoting the financial industry as the industry of choice for LGBT individuals. For more information, visit www.interbanknyc.org.
Monday, June 10, 2013
New collaboration to aid LGBT military cybersecurity
LGBT Technology Partnership and OutServe-SLDN Launch Collaboration to Support and Empower LGBT Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families
(WASHINGTON, DC) The LGBT Technology Partnership, a nonpartisan, non-profit organization focused on ensuring that the implementation of public policies address the unique technological needs of LGBT communities, today announced a new collaboration with OutServe-SLDN, America’s LGBT military association, to begin soon with the joint launch of a series of cybersecurity tips to encourage greater awareness about privacy and security issues affecting LGBT service members.
“We are excited about this new collaboration with OutServe-SLDN and disseminating LGBT military-specific tips about staying safe and secure online,” said Christopher Wood, LGBT Technology Partnership co-founder. “Studies show that LGBT communities are often the earliest adopters of new technology. The LGBT Technology Partnership’s mission is to make sure LGBT communities are aware of the significant benefits but also the underlying challenges that come with the early adoption of new technologies. OutServe-SLDN, whose actively serving membership was originally organized via Facebook, is on the cutting edge of utilization of new technologies, and we are thrilled to be working with them.”
LGBT Technology Partnership co-founders Wood and Joseph Kapp became involved with OutServe-SLDN through the group’s first “hackathon,” hosted in Washington, DC last month and aimed at bringing some of the best and brightest minds together around the new mission adopted by the military organization’s board of directors in May. In a piece published at Huffington Post today, Kapp explained why the Partnership was compelled to become more involved following their participation.
“As a result of their hackathon, OutServe-SLDN hit upon some creative new approaches to the significant objectives that remain to be accomplished to create true LGBT equality in our military. It was a truly inspiring moment. Formerly closeted service members and experts in military law and policy sat around the table with developers, communications experts, and other allies to grapple with big existential questions that organizations face and their intersections with technology that can improve value propositions and enhance the mission. The LGBT Technology Partnership team was proud and happy to be able to participate and provide our own input,” Kapp writes today in the piece.
Allyson Robinson, Army Veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director, praised the Partnership’s work and welcomed them to the OutServe-SLDN team.
“What Joe and Chris are organizing is unprecedented in the LGBT community, and OutServe-SLDN is proud to once again be an early adopter. We appreciate their commitment to helping our members protect themselves, their families, and their careers in this post-'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' environment where LGBT service members lack nondiscrimination and equal opportunity protections and transgender service members are still required to serve in silence and fear. The Partnership gets our long-term mission of creating an inclusive and accepting military and they know, as we do, that changing laws and policies is the easy part – real culture change takes much longer,” she said.
The collaboration announced today also will include involvement of the LGBT Technology Partnership in OutServe-SLDN’s upcoming International Leadership Conference, set to take place in San Antonio in October. It will also include contributing regularly to the content of OutServe Magazine, a publication of OutServe-SLDN and the nation’s only periodical dedicated to LGBT military and veteran life.
ABOUT LGBT TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP: The LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender) Technology Partnership encourages the continued early adoption and use of cutting-edge, new and emerging technologies by providing information, education and strategic outreach for LGBT communities. We are a national, nonpartisan group of LGBT organizations and high technology companies whose mission is to engage with critical technology and public policy leaders for strategic discussion at all levels. The Partnership ensures that cable, telecommunications and high technology issues of specific concern to LGBT communities are addressed in public policy conversations. Visit www.LGBTTechPartnership.org for additional information, follow us on Twitter @LGBTTech and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LGBTTechPartnership.
ABOUT OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6500 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 LGBT Technology Partnership, a nonpartisan, non-profit organization focused on ensuring that the implementation of public policies address the unique technological needs of LGBT communities, today announced a new collaboration with OutServe-SLDN, America’s LGBT military association, to begin soon with the joint launch of a series of cybersecurity tips to encourage greater awareness about privacy and security issues affecting LGBT service members.
“We are excited about this new collaboration with OutServe-SLDN and disseminating LGBT military-specific tips about staying safe and secure online,” said Christopher Wood, LGBT Technology Partnership co-founder. “Studies show that LGBT communities are often the earliest adopters of new technology. The LGBT Technology Partnership’s mission is to make sure LGBT communities are aware of the significant benefits but also the underlying challenges that come with the early adoption of new technologies. OutServe-SLDN, whose actively serving membership was originally organized via Facebook, is on the cutting edge of utilization of new technologies, and we are thrilled to be working with them.”
LGBT Technology Partnership co-founders Wood and Joseph Kapp became involved with OutServe-SLDN through the group’s first “hackathon,” hosted in Washington, DC last month and aimed at bringing some of the best and brightest minds together around the new mission adopted by the military organization’s board of directors in May. In a piece published at Huffington Post today, Kapp explained why the Partnership was compelled to become more involved following their participation.
“As a result of their hackathon, OutServe-SLDN hit upon some creative new approaches to the significant objectives that remain to be accomplished to create true LGBT equality in our military. It was a truly inspiring moment. Formerly closeted service members and experts in military law and policy sat around the table with developers, communications experts, and other allies to grapple with big existential questions that organizations face and their intersections with technology that can improve value propositions and enhance the mission. The LGBT Technology Partnership team was proud and happy to be able to participate and provide our own input,” Kapp writes today in the piece.
Allyson Robinson, Army Veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director, praised the Partnership’s work and welcomed them to the OutServe-SLDN team.
“What Joe and Chris are organizing is unprecedented in the LGBT community, and OutServe-SLDN is proud to once again be an early adopter. We appreciate their commitment to helping our members protect themselves, their families, and their careers in this post-'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' environment where LGBT service members lack nondiscrimination and equal opportunity protections and transgender service members are still required to serve in silence and fear. The Partnership gets our long-term mission of creating an inclusive and accepting military and they know, as we do, that changing laws and policies is the easy part – real culture change takes much longer,” she said.
The collaboration announced today also will include involvement of the LGBT Technology Partnership in OutServe-SLDN’s upcoming International Leadership Conference, set to take place in San Antonio in October. It will also include contributing regularly to the content of OutServe Magazine, a publication of OutServe-SLDN and the nation’s only periodical dedicated to LGBT military and veteran life.
ABOUT LGBT TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP: The LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender) Technology Partnership encourages the continued early adoption and use of cutting-edge, new and emerging technologies by providing information, education and strategic outreach for LGBT communities. We are a national, nonpartisan group of LGBT organizations and high technology companies whose mission is to engage with critical technology and public policy leaders for strategic discussion at all levels. The Partnership ensures that cable, telecommunications and high technology issues of specific concern to LGBT communities are addressed in public policy conversations. Visit www.LGBTTechPartnership.org for additional information, follow us on Twitter @LGBTTech and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LGBTTechPartnership.
ABOUT OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6500 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, June 8, 2013
Air Force Maj. General Becomes Highest Ranking Out Service Member
OutServe-SLDN Congratulates Highest Ranking Out General
Air Force Major General Patricia Rose Pins on Second Star
(WASHINGTON, DC) OutServe-SLDN extends congratulations to Major General Patricia “Trish” Rose, who became the U.S. military’s highest ranking out gay officer, and her wife, retired Naval officer Julie Roth.
“Our congratulations go out to Major General Rose and Lieutenant Roth, both for General Rose’s promotion and for their integrity in being honest and open about who they are,” said Allyson Robinson, Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director. “These are our core values, and they set an example for our troops that it is our courage and our diversity that make us strong.”
Rose’s promotion ceremony was held on May 31, led by her direct supervisor, General Janet Wolfenbarger, the first female four-star general in the United States Air Force. With a small crowd in attendance, Rose's wife pinned her second star.
Rose is the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. A logistician, she's served assignments in both aircraft maintenance and transportation in seven different commands. Her reserve assignments include command of the 36th Aerial Port Squadron at McChord AFB, Washington, where her squadron won the dual distinction of being selected for an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and Air Mobility Command's Total Force Air Reserve Component Aerial Port Unit of the Year.
Rose and Roth were legally married in their home state of Washington after marriage equality became legal in the state last year. When Rose earned her first star, she asked her friend and neighbor, Colonel Grethe Cammermeyer, to pin it in a private promotion ceremony. Cammermeyer, a fellow Washingtonian, was ejected from the Washington National Guard for admitting she was gay and became a prominent advocate for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Her story was told in the film "Serving in Silence.”
In her civilian capacity, Rose is the public relations and marketing director for a local hospital.
“I’m particularly proud of the Air Force, and of our Reserve components, for continuing to demonstrate that our diversity is our strength,” said Josh Seefried, Co-Chair of the OutServe-SLDN board of director. "Our best wishes go to Major General Rose and her wife – as well as our gratitude for their integrity in demonstrating the Air Force’s commitment to family as well as to service.”
ABOUT OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6500 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.
Air Force Major General Patricia Rose Pins on Second Star
(WASHINGTON, DC) OutServe-SLDN extends congratulations to Major General Patricia “Trish” Rose, who became the U.S. military’s highest ranking out gay officer, and her wife, retired Naval officer Julie Roth.
“Our congratulations go out to Major General Rose and Lieutenant Roth, both for General Rose’s promotion and for their integrity in being honest and open about who they are,” said Allyson Robinson, Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director. “These are our core values, and they set an example for our troops that it is our courage and our diversity that make us strong.”
Rose’s promotion ceremony was held on May 31, led by her direct supervisor, General Janet Wolfenbarger, the first female four-star general in the United States Air Force. With a small crowd in attendance, Rose's wife pinned her second star.
Rose is the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. A logistician, she's served assignments in both aircraft maintenance and transportation in seven different commands. Her reserve assignments include command of the 36th Aerial Port Squadron at McChord AFB, Washington, where her squadron won the dual distinction of being selected for an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and Air Mobility Command's Total Force Air Reserve Component Aerial Port Unit of the Year.
Rose and Roth were legally married in their home state of Washington after marriage equality became legal in the state last year. When Rose earned her first star, she asked her friend and neighbor, Colonel Grethe Cammermeyer, to pin it in a private promotion ceremony. Cammermeyer, a fellow Washingtonian, was ejected from the Washington National Guard for admitting she was gay and became a prominent advocate for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Her story was told in the film "Serving in Silence.”
In her civilian capacity, Rose is the public relations and marketing director for a local hospital.
“I’m particularly proud of the Air Force, and of our Reserve components, for continuing to demonstrate that our diversity is our strength,” said Josh Seefried, Co-Chair of the OutServe-SLDN board of director. "Our best wishes go to Major General Rose and her wife – as well as our gratitude for their integrity in demonstrating the Air Force’s commitment to family as well as to service.”
ABOUT OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6500 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, June 6, 2013
Is Our Government Heading in the Wrong Direction?
There have been a lot of articles in the news lately about various acts our government is involved in that paint it in an unflattering light. The latest article I just read is what made me decide to write up a little blog entry about this. When I was growing up back in the '80s and early '90s, the soviet union was the enemy and we were always told how evil the communist governments were. We are told of all the lack of freedoms these people have to live with. We were told of all the evil things the communist governments did to their people. Now I'm no conspiracy theorist, but all the headlines lately have me wondering what the hell is going on with our own country.
The latest article is titled "U.S. Is Secretly Collecting Records of Verizon Calls". It goes on to state how the government is secretly carrying out a domestic surveillance program which collects communication records and data of thousands upon thousands of Americans. Apparently there is no regard to customer privacy as Verizon has just handed over everything asked for to the NSA.
We also saw in the headlines about how the I.R.S. targeting of conservative political groups. If groups included the words "tea party" or "patriot", they were additionally scrutinized. Believe me, I'm not a conservative nut or a left wing liberal. It amazes me that this government organization which should be neutral and focused on collecting taxes, was actually taking aim on conservative groups.
I was also shocked to find out that our government wiretapped the AP (Associated Press) in a witch hunt to find out information on a leaked story. There is much more going on such as indefinite detention and warrant-less searches, but I'm not going to keep going on and on about all this. The fact is that after the 9/11 attacks, everyone was scared and gave up a lot of their freedoms in hopes of better security. Now we are paying the price for it and it scares me a little. America likes to pass judgment on other countries when it comes to freedoms, but I think we need to spend a little more time focusing on ourselves for a while. Soon we will be no better off than those evil communist countries I grew up fearing.
It also reminded me of our old HHD commander's outgoing speech. Most of it was the normal fond memories and thank you to various folks, but at the end he reminded all the soldiers in the audience what we all swore to do "support and defend the constitution of the United States". He warned that we may be asked or commanded to do things that violate this oath by our superiors, but always remember the oath we took. It was a little strange at the time, but now I'm wondering what kind of future he saw coming.
You can check out the following articles I read before writing about this:
U.S. Is Secretly Collecting Records of Verizon Calls
IRS Apologizes for Targeting Tea Party Groups
AP Wiretap Assaults Core Values
10 Reasons The U.S. is No Longer the Land of the Free
The latest article is titled "U.S. Is Secretly Collecting Records of Verizon Calls". It goes on to state how the government is secretly carrying out a domestic surveillance program which collects communication records and data of thousands upon thousands of Americans. Apparently there is no regard to customer privacy as Verizon has just handed over everything asked for to the NSA.
We also saw in the headlines about how the I.R.S. targeting of conservative political groups. If groups included the words "tea party" or "patriot", they were additionally scrutinized. Believe me, I'm not a conservative nut or a left wing liberal. It amazes me that this government organization which should be neutral and focused on collecting taxes, was actually taking aim on conservative groups.
I was also shocked to find out that our government wiretapped the AP (Associated Press) in a witch hunt to find out information on a leaked story. There is much more going on such as indefinite detention and warrant-less searches, but I'm not going to keep going on and on about all this. The fact is that after the 9/11 attacks, everyone was scared and gave up a lot of their freedoms in hopes of better security. Now we are paying the price for it and it scares me a little. America likes to pass judgment on other countries when it comes to freedoms, but I think we need to spend a little more time focusing on ourselves for a while. Soon we will be no better off than those evil communist countries I grew up fearing.
It also reminded me of our old HHD commander's outgoing speech. Most of it was the normal fond memories and thank you to various folks, but at the end he reminded all the soldiers in the audience what we all swore to do "support and defend the constitution of the United States". He warned that we may be asked or commanded to do things that violate this oath by our superiors, but always remember the oath we took. It was a little strange at the time, but now I'm wondering what kind of future he saw coming.
You can check out the following articles I read before writing about this:
U.S. Is Secretly Collecting Records of Verizon Calls
IRS Apologizes for Targeting Tea Party Groups
AP Wiretap Assaults Core Values
10 Reasons The U.S. is No Longer the Land of the Free
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
House Panel Adopts Anti-gay Amendment to NDAA
Anti-religion, anti-gay measure adopted to NDAA in committee vote
Meanwhile, Robinson praises Ranking Member for Supporting Military Family Equality
(Washington, DC) Tonight, the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) adopted an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) put forth by Rep. John Fleming (R-LA) that would compromise religious liberties of service members, erode the ability of military commanders to protect good order and discipline, and undermine the successful implementation of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal.
“Religious liberty is a core American value, and we support the accommodation of all beliefs. What we can never support is legislation that sanctions one belief at the expense of others and places unit cohesion, the safety of our troops, and their ability to accomplish the mission in jeopardy, and that’s exactly what this bill would do,” said Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson, an ordained Baptist minister.
If enacted, the Fleming amendment would protect inappropriate, defamatory, and discriminatory speech and actions – a significant expansion of current protections for beliefs – and would leave commanders with no recourse against such prejudicial conduct when it occurs in their units. Robinson said today that the military already has in place adequate protections for religious freedom and that the measure is unwarranted.
“The military already has in place policies that adequately protect a service member’s personal beliefs while also protecting unit cohesion and good order and discipline. This amendment is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt to sabotage the climate of inclusion and respect for all that our Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of Defense have called for in our military, and would create a license to bully, harass, and discriminate against service members based on religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any number of other characteristics,” said Robinson.
Robinson also said the measure would undermine the authority of military commanders.
“This amendment takes an authority this nation has entrusted to commanders in the field since its founding – the authority to exercise appropriate control over their troops’ ‘actions or speech’ to maintain good order and discipline – and puts it in the hands of politicians in Washington. As someone who has led soldiers in the field, I can tell you that is an untenable situation,” said Robinson.
In addition, during tonight’s debate, Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), ranking member on HASC, introduced and withdrew key elements of the Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act (MSET) that would ensure equal benefits, recognition, and support for all military spouses.
“This important gesture is a reminder that the families of gay and lesbian service members are still not treated equally and that the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ did not impact that reality. Congressman Smith is a tenacious fighter for equality in our military and for our troops and we are grateful for all his work to that end,” said Robinson.
The Senate will begin debating its own version of the bill later this month.
ABOUT OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6500 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.
Meanwhile, Robinson praises Ranking Member for Supporting Military Family Equality
(Washington, DC) Tonight, the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) adopted an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) put forth by Rep. John Fleming (R-LA) that would compromise religious liberties of service members, erode the ability of military commanders to protect good order and discipline, and undermine the successful implementation of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal.
“Religious liberty is a core American value, and we support the accommodation of all beliefs. What we can never support is legislation that sanctions one belief at the expense of others and places unit cohesion, the safety of our troops, and their ability to accomplish the mission in jeopardy, and that’s exactly what this bill would do,” said Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson, an ordained Baptist minister.
If enacted, the Fleming amendment would protect inappropriate, defamatory, and discriminatory speech and actions – a significant expansion of current protections for beliefs – and would leave commanders with no recourse against such prejudicial conduct when it occurs in their units. Robinson said today that the military already has in place adequate protections for religious freedom and that the measure is unwarranted.
“The military already has in place policies that adequately protect a service member’s personal beliefs while also protecting unit cohesion and good order and discipline. This amendment is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt to sabotage the climate of inclusion and respect for all that our Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of Defense have called for in our military, and would create a license to bully, harass, and discriminate against service members based on religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any number of other characteristics,” said Robinson.
Robinson also said the measure would undermine the authority of military commanders.
“This amendment takes an authority this nation has entrusted to commanders in the field since its founding – the authority to exercise appropriate control over their troops’ ‘actions or speech’ to maintain good order and discipline – and puts it in the hands of politicians in Washington. As someone who has led soldiers in the field, I can tell you that is an untenable situation,” said Robinson.
In addition, during tonight’s debate, Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), ranking member on HASC, introduced and withdrew key elements of the Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act (MSET) that would ensure equal benefits, recognition, and support for all military spouses.
“This important gesture is a reminder that the families of gay and lesbian service members are still not treated equally and that the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ did not impact that reality. Congressman Smith is a tenacious fighter for equality in our military and for our troops and we are grateful for all his work to that end,” said Robinson.
The Senate will begin debating its own version of the bill later this month.
ABOUT OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6500 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.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Statement on Pentagon LGBT Pride Memorandum
Department of Defense Honors LGBT Pride Month for Second Consecutive Year
Robinson: Changing laws is the easy part; changing culture takes much longer
(WASHINGTON, DC) In a memorandum dated May 31, 2013, and signed by Clarence Johnson, Director of the Office of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity, the Department of Defense has designated June as LGBT Pride Month for the second year in a row. Today, Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson praised Pentagon leadership for the action.
“It is appropriate and gratifying that Secretary Hagel and his leadership team would follow the historic precedent set last year by then-Secretary Leon Panetta by designating June as LGBT Pride Month for the Department of Defense. Acknowledging the accomplishments and contributions of lesbian, gay, and bisexual service members sends an important message all the way down the chain of command: that our military is stronger, and our nation safer, because it includes them,” said Robinson.
While acknowledging transgender civilian DOD employees, the memorandum notably omits any mention of the contributions of transgender people in uniform – presumably because transgender people remain barred from service by outdated and obsolete medical regulations. Robinson called out the omission.
“Transgender people have served this nation with pride, honor, and distinction – and continue to do so in the hundreds, if not thousands. It’s past time to honor them for their service and sacrifice, and past time to end the discredited and obsolete practice of forcing them to serve in silence and fear,” said Robinson.
OutServe-SLDN members and supporters will be participating in more than twenty LGBT Pride events around the world this summer.
About OutServe-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6500 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: Changing laws is the easy part; changing culture takes much longer
(WASHINGTON, DC) In a memorandum dated May 31, 2013, and signed by Clarence Johnson, Director of the Office of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity, the Department of Defense has designated June as LGBT Pride Month for the second year in a row. Today, Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson praised Pentagon leadership for the action.
“It is appropriate and gratifying that Secretary Hagel and his leadership team would follow the historic precedent set last year by then-Secretary Leon Panetta by designating June as LGBT Pride Month for the Department of Defense. Acknowledging the accomplishments and contributions of lesbian, gay, and bisexual service members sends an important message all the way down the chain of command: that our military is stronger, and our nation safer, because it includes them,” said Robinson.
While acknowledging transgender civilian DOD employees, the memorandum notably omits any mention of the contributions of transgender people in uniform – presumably because transgender people remain barred from service by outdated and obsolete medical regulations. Robinson called out the omission.
“Transgender people have served this nation with pride, honor, and distinction – and continue to do so in the hundreds, if not thousands. It’s past time to honor them for their service and sacrifice, and past time to end the discredited and obsolete practice of forcing them to serve in silence and fear,” said Robinson.
OutServe-SLDN members and supporters will be participating in more than twenty LGBT Pride events around the world this summer.
About OutServe-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6500 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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