Help us repeal “Don't Ask, Don't Tell.” Over 12,500 service members have been discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Urge Congress to repeal the ban by passing the Military Readiness Enhancement Act.Read More
SIGN THE PETITIONThe "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law makes no sense, harms individuals, hurts military readiness and undermines the freedom and fairness our country stands for. The time for repeal is now! On this Veterans Day, let's begin to appreciate, respect and honor all of our veterans. Read More | Comments (0)
As I reflect upon the contributions of our men and women in uniform this Veterans Day, I think of the 1 million gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender veterans who have served. And I also think of those dedicated, experienced, battle-hardened warriors who are thrown out of the military simply because of their sexual orientation. Read More | Comments (0)
Extended combat tours reveal how "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" deprives our armed forces of the qualified personnel who are needed at a time when the military is already stretched too thin. Each day the military denies our brave patriots the freedom to serve based on sexual orientation, the strength of our armed forces is put at greater risk. Read More | Comments (0)
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is not only discriminatory and costly to U.S. taxpayers, but it deprives our armed services - and our nation - of the very men and women who are needed now more than ever to defend us in a critical time of war. Read More | Comments (1)
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis wrote an open letter to General Colin Powell this week, urging him to join SLDN in repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” General Powell was a key figure in enacting this failed law, underscoring the importance of engaging him to partner with SLDN as we work to create a more inclusive military that allows all members of the armed forces to serve openly and honestly, regardless of sexual orientation. Read More | Comments (14)
Metro Weekly talks to SLDN's Aubrey Sarvis about what an Obama presidency means for the future of LGBT rights, especially with respect to the prospects for overturning "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and how our community can mobilize to effect positive change. Read More
One former U.S. senator with an anti-gay past was confirmed to be working in an advisory role for Obama's transition team. Sam Nunn, a former Democratic senator from Georgia and architect of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," is playing an informal senior adviser role through the defense transition process, according to the transition team. SLDN's Aubrey Sarvis said he needed "clarification" on Nunn's role in the Obama transition team before he could offer an opinion on the situation. Read More
In the early part of his administration, then-President Bill Clinton's handling of gays in the military is what Rahm Emanuel, President-elect Barack Obama's chief of staff, believes led to voters putting Republicans in charge of Congress just two years after Clinton took office. The "lesson," Emanuel says, is to "Do what you talked about on the campaign." This conclusion, however, leaves LGBT advocates like Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis asking where repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" fits in to the emerging policy agenda on Capitol Hill and in the White House. Read More
Metro Weekly asked the leaders of a number of national LGBT and HIV/AIDS organizations, including Aubrey Sarvis of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, their thoughts on the new administration, what the community can achieve, and what the victory of anti-gay campaigns across the country means for our community. Read More
Why repeal DADT? — SLDN asks supporters, "Why do you think we should repeal DADT?" at a recent event for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. More Videos
