Servicemembers United

Servicemembers United is a non-profit organization founded by Alexander Nicholson in 2005 to support and advocate for the rights of LGBT veterans and service members in the United States Armed Forces. The organization is closely tied to the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and has worked with Congress to pass legislation such as the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act. Servicemembers United has also collaborated with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network to challenge discriminatory policies in the US military. The organization's work has been recognized by Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Nancy Pelosi, among other prominent Democratic leaders.

● History

The history of Servicemembers United is closely linked to the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, which was enacted in 1993 under the Clinton administration. The organization was founded in response to the US Supreme Court's decision in Rumsfeld v. Forum for Academic and Institutional Rights, which upheld the Solomon Amendment. Servicemembers United worked closely with the Log Cabin Republicans and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force to challenge the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, and its efforts were supported by Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and Ted Kennedy. The organization also collaborated with the American Psychological Association and the National Association of Social Workers to provide research and testimony on the impact of the policy on LGBT service members. In 2010, Servicemembers United played a key role in the passage of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act, which was signed into law by Barack Obama.

● Mission and Activities

The mission of Servicemembers United is to support and advocate for the rights of LGBT veterans and service members in the United States Armed Forces. The organization provides resources and support to LGBT service members who have been affected by discriminatory policies, and works to promote LGBT inclusivity in the US military. Servicemembers United has partnered with the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the US Department of Defense to provide training and education on LGBT issues, and has worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Department of Justice to address hate crimes against LGBT service members. The organization has also collaborated with the National Coalition for the Homeless and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide support to LGBT veterans who are experiencing homelessness.

● Advocacy and Policy

Servicemembers United has been a leading advocate for LGBT rights in the US military, and has worked to promote LGBT inclusivity in the US Armed Forces. The organization has partnered with the Human Rights Campaign and the National Center for Lesbian Rights to advocate for the passage of legislation such as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Uniting American Families Act. Servicemembers United has also worked with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network to challenge discriminatory policies in the US military, including the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. The organization has collaborated with the US Senate Committee on Armed Services and the US House Committee on Armed Services to provide testimony and research on LGBT issues in the US military.

● Notable Campaigns

Servicemembers United has been involved in several notable campaigns to promote LGBT rights in the US military. The organization played a key role in the Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal campaign, which was supported by Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Nancy Pelosi. Servicemembers United also worked on the It Gets Better Project, which was founded by Dan Savage and Terry Miller to support LGBT youth. The organization has collaborated with the Trevor Project and the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network to provide resources and support to LGBT service members who are experiencing bullying and harassment. Servicemembers United has also partnered with the National Organization for Women and the American Association of University Women to promote LGBT inclusivity in the US military.

● Leadership and Organization

The leadership of Servicemembers United includes Alexander Nicholson, who founded the organization in 2005. The organization has a board of directors that includes LGBT veterans and service members, as well as allies who support the organization's mission. Servicemembers United has partnered with the Human Rights Campaign and the National Center for Lesbian Rights to provide resources and support to LGBT service members. The organization has also collaborated with the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the US Department of Defense to provide training and education on LGBT issues. Servicemembers United is a member of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

● Impact and Legacy

The impact of Servicemembers United has been significant, with the organization playing a key role in the passage of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act in 2010. The organization's work has been recognized by Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Nancy Pelosi, among other prominent Democratic leaders. Servicemembers United has also been praised by LGBT veterans and service members, who have benefited from the organization's resources and support. The organization's legacy continues to be felt, with its work promoting LGBT inclusivity in the US military and supporting LGBT service members who have been affected by discriminatory policies. Servicemembers United has collaborated with the US Department of State and the US Agency for International Development to promote LGBT rights around the world, and has worked with the United Nations to address human rights issues affecting LGBT individuals. Category:LGBT organizations