OutServe-SLDN

OutServe-SLDN is a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights of LGBT service members in the United States Armed Forces. The organization was formed in 2012 through the merger of OutServe and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), with the goal of providing support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ service members, including those affected by the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, which was repealed in 2011 with the help of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Leon Panetta. OutServe-SLDN works closely with other organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Lambda Legal, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in the military. The organization's efforts have been supported by prominent figures, including Lady Gaga, Chaz Bono, and Suze Orman.

● History

OutServe-SLDN was formed in 2012, following the repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, which prohibited openly LGBTQ+ individuals from serving in the United States Armed Forces. The organization's roots date back to 1993, when the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) was founded by Michelle Benecke and Dixon Osburn to provide legal support to service members affected by the policy. In 2010, OutServe was founded by a group of active-duty LGBTQ+ service members, including Ty Walrod and Jonathan Hopkins, with the goal of providing support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ service members. The merger of the two organizations created a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ service members, with the support of organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. OutServe-SLDN has worked with prominent figures, including Chelsea Manning, Dan Choi, and Kristin Beck, to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in the military.

● Mission and Activities

The mission of OutServe-SLDN is to advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ service members and to provide support and resources to those affected by discriminatory policies. The organization works to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in the military through advocacy, education, and litigation, often in partnership with organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Lambda Legal, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. OutServe-SLDN also provides support and resources to LGBTQ+ service members, including those affected by the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, with the help of organizations like the Trevor Project and the It Gets Better Project. The organization's activities include lobbying for policy changes, providing legal support to service members, and educating the public about the issues faced by LGBTQ+ service members, often in collaboration with prominent figures like Lady Gaga, Chaz Bono, and Suze Orman.

● Structure and Leadership

OutServe-SLDN is led by an executive director, who is responsible for overseeing the organization's activities and advocacy efforts, with the support of organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. The organization's board of directors includes prominent figures, such as Dixon Osburn and Michelle Benecke, who have been involved in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the military for many years. OutServe-SLDN also has a network of chapters and affiliates across the United States, which provide support and resources to LGBTQ+ service members and their families, often in partnership with organizations like the USO and the Wounded Warrior Project. The organization's leadership has included prominent figures, such as Ty Walrod and Jonathan Hopkins, who have been recognized for their advocacy work, including receiving awards from the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

● Notable Events and Campaigns

OutServe-SLDN has been involved in several notable events and campaigns, including the fight to repeal the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, which was achieved in 2011 with the help of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Leon Panetta. The organization has also advocated for the rights of LGBTQ+ service members to serve openly and honestly, without fear of discrimination or persecution, often in partnership with organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Lambda Legal, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. OutServe-SLDN has worked with prominent figures, including Lady Gaga, Chaz Bono, and Suze Orman, to raise awareness about the issues faced by LGBTQ+ service members and to promote greater understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in the military. The organization has also been involved in campaigns to support LGBTQ+ service members who have been affected by discriminatory policies, including the Transgender Military Ban, which was implemented by Donald Trump and James Mattis.

● Impact and Legacy

OutServe-SLDN has had a significant impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ service members and their families, providing support and advocacy during a time of great change and uncertainty. The organization's efforts have helped to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in the military, including the repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, which was achieved in 2011 with the help of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Leon Panetta. OutServe-SLDN has also worked to promote greater understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in the military, often in partnership with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. The organization's legacy continues to be felt, as it remains a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ service members and a leading advocate for their rights, with the support of prominent figures like Lady Gaga, Chaz Bono, and Suze Orman. OutServe-SLDN's work has been recognized by organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Lambda Legal, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and has been supported by prominent figures, including Chelsea Manning, Dan Choi, and Kristin Beck.

Category:LGBT organizations