OUTSERVE HAILS PRESIDENT OBAMA’S SUPPORT OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Will Host Summit Next Week for Gay and Lesbian Military Partners

WASHINGTON, DC – OutServe, the association of actively-serving LGBT military personnel, today expressed gratitude to President Obama for his statement in support of marriage equality. In President Obama’s comments, he recognized the burden on gay and lesbian military personnel who “feel constrained” because they cannot marry:

“…when I think about those soldiers, airman, Marines, sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf, and yet feel constrained, even now that DADT is gone, because they’re not able to commit themselves in a marriage – at a certain point, I’ve just concluded that it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should get married.” (President Obama, from today’s interview with ABC)

“Today, we thank our President for acknowledging that we deserve the full benefits of citizenship, including marriage. We are grateful for his leadership and courage on this issue,” said Josh Seefried, co-director of OutServe. “Those of us in military service are always conscious of the tremendous sacrifices that our partners make to support us, and we look forward to the day when that will be reflected in the support that our country gives them.”

Next week, members of OutServe will convene in Washington, DC, to address issues faced by spouses and partners of gay and lesbian service members. Unlike straight military spouses, they are not currently provided resources to support their families during and after deployments, nor are they given access to base facilities or any of a number of educational, counseling, healthcare, and other privileges. For example, a gay or lesbian spouse cannot pick up a child from military day care, or purchase groceries for the family at the commissary.

The OutServe Capital Summit: Our Families Matter: On May 14-15, in Washington, DC, OutServe will bring together actively serving servicemembers, veterans and supporters of the LGBT military community. Organizations participating include: Human Rights Campaign, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Courage Campaign, Military Families and Partners Coalition, the American Military Partners Association and Homeward Deployed.

The Summit will gather actively-serving military of all sexual orientations with experts from resource and advocacy groups to discuss the legal rights of gay and lesbian military partners as well as resources for their support. More information is available at http://outserve.org/capital-summit/

Press interested in attending must register with Sue Fulton by Thursday May 10^th.

##

OutServe is the association of actively serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) military personnel. With more than 5,500 members and 50 chapters worldwide, it is one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in the world. OutServe 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. For more information, go to www.outserve.org.

LGBT Military Group “Saddened”; Urges Full Investigation of Possible Hate Crime

WASHINGTON, April 22 – Today OutServe, the association of actively-serving LGBT U.S. military personnel and one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in the world, released a statement on the death of Marine Lance Corporal Philip Bushong, killed in Washington, DC, yesterday. Detectives say that the suspected killer, another Marine, used a “homophobic slur” in the fight that led to Bushong’s death.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of Lance Corporal Phil Bushong at the hands of a fellow Marine. We are troubled by the specter that this might have been a hate crime; if so, we anticipate the authorities will pursue it to the fullest extent of the law.

This is particularly upsetting since, overall, gay and lesbian Marines have been accepted and treated equally in the force since repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ We look forward to the results of a swift and thorough investigation of this tragic incident.”

For more information, visit http://outservemag.com/2012/04/lance-cpl-philip-bushong-slain-by-fellow-marine/

###

OutServe is the association of actively serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) military personnel. With more than 5,000 members and 50 chapters worldwide, it is one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in the world. OutServe 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. For more information, go to www.outserve.org.

OUTSERVE ANNOUNCES 2012 INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE WILL TAKE PLACE ON ARMY RESORT

LGBT Military Group Will Meet Oct 25-28 in Orlando, FL; Conference Expected to Double in Size from 2011

WASHINGTON, February 20 – Today OutServe, the association of actively-serving LGBT U.S. military personnel and one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in the world, announced that its Second Annual OutServe International Leadership Conference will take place October 25-28, 2012 at the military’s Shades of Green Resort in Orlando, FL.

 The Conference will welcome currently serving LGBT and straight military members, veterans, spouses/partners, and allies to join workshops and meetings. Like the 2011 Conference, it will provide an international forum on creating an environment of respect in the military with regards to sexual orientation and gender identity, and provide the LGBT military community a venue for building professional networks, sharing best practices and formulating strategies that help build a stronger military community.  OutServe’s International Leadership Conference is the only conference designed around and for LGBT members of the largest fighting force in the world. 

The 2011 OutServe Conference in Las Vegas boasted maxing out capacity at over 200 attendees, including several from allied nations and an Assistant Secretary of Defense. With the ongoing veteran employment crisis, OutServe will also host a job fair during the event that will be open to veterans and employers.  OutServe events during the conference will take place at various locations on Walt Disney World properties.

“Disney’s support of the military and LGBT communities goes hand in hand with the support and sponsorship provided by Orlando Gay Travel, Come Out with Pride Orlando and the Metropolitan Business Association of Orlando and is why we chose Orlando as our 2012 destination,” said Ty Walrod, Co-director of OutServe.

“We have made tremendous progress over the last few months with the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’” said Josh Seefried, active duty Air Force Lieutenant and co-director of OutServe. “LGBT military members must be visible and confident, showing the leadership that will set the example for future generations of service members.”

The Human Rights Campaign, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, and Courage Campaign will be co-sponsoring the OutServe Conference, as well as others. Announcements regarding schedule of events and additional sponsors and attendees will be forthcoming.

Registration can be completed at www.outserve.org/2012conference/

For information on sponsoring the conference, contact Tom Nibbio at tom@outserve.org.

Press interested in attending must register with Sue Fulton at Sue.Fulton@outserve.org

Media are welcome to use any photos from last years conference. Available photos are located on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/outserve/

###

OutServe is the association of actively serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) military personnel. With more than 4,900 members and 42 chapters worldwide, it is one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in the world. OutServe 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. For more information, go to www.outserve.org. For more information on OutServe’s Magazine, which is distributed on military installations, please visit www.outservemag.com

About Shades of Green: This resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) located in Orlando, Florida owned and operated by the US Army. It is a true resort destination offering the perfect mix of exceptional resort accommodations and friendly hospitality. Shades of Green’s unique position on Walt Disney World property in the Magic Kingdom Resort area offers military and civilian professionals the opportunity to work efficiently and comfortably during the day, and spend the evenings relaxing in first class accommodations or enjoying the legendary entertainment of the nearby attractions.

WASHINGTON, DC, September 19, 2011 – OutServe, the association of actively-serving gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) military members, today released the results of its latest survey of LGBT military personnel. With final repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” imminent, more than twice as many responded to this survey than responded in the spring.

Many respondents expressed their expectation that there would be few problems with repeal, with 67% saying they expected their colleagues would treat them “universally” or “generally” without discrimination. As one wrote:

“Lots of people at work know a friend of mine is gay, and there have been no negative reactions toward him. As for another friend in a combat unit, the whole unit knew he was gay and no one cared.”

Many expressed their relief at not having to lie any more, and their continuing commitment to serve their country:

“We are professionals. The fact that we put our personal lives aside to put on a uniform and serve is a testament to our commitment to supporting and defending the constitution.”

“The repeal of DADT allows LGBT troops to do what their straight counterparts already take for granted – to share and talk about life events without fear of repercussion. Shared experience can only lead to a better understanding of who we are as individuals, and contribute to the same mission: protection of those we love and service to our country.”

The online survey was completed anonymously by over five hundred LGBT Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel during the week of September 13, 2011: one week prior to the end of DADT. Since survey respondents are self-selected, the survey is not authoritative, but is a likely indication of the current status of LGBT troops.

KEY FINDINGS

Survey responses doubled since May 2011
Responses to the OutServe Survey more than doubled since the previous survey, conducted in May 2011. The low response in May – 224 members – was attributed to fear of identifying oneself, even in a confidential survey, as LGBT. In the most recent survey, we received 533 responses.

Many are already “out,” anticipate acceptance
An overwhelming 78% indicated that they are “out” to at least some in their unit. Thirty-eight percent said they had come out to more people since the DADT law was repealed. Asked if they would take a significant other to a unit event, 30% said “definitely,” and another 29% said they “likely” would. This optimistic response is also reflected in how they expect their units will treat LGB members: two-thirds indicated they expected their colleagues would treat them “universally” or “generally” with respect, and free from discrimination.

Trust in the Chain of Command
As in the previous survey, most LGB troops reported that, if they have issues with harassment or unfair treatment, they would most prefer to go their chain of command (55%) rather than their Equal Opportunity Rep (19%), the Inspector General’s office (7%), or a chaplain (3%).
Also, a very high number, 84%, found the DADT training was conducted professionally (“very professional,” “generally professional,” or “neutral”).

Over 20% in committed relationships
Given the youth of the respondents, it is unsurprising that 58% are single; however, 21% reported they are in a committed long-term relationship, either in a same-sex marriage or civil union, or “would be married if allowed by the state.”

View detailed survey results here. Contact Sue Fulton, 908-256-6727, sue.fulton@outserve.org  for more information.

—

OutServe is the association of actively-serving LGBT military personnel. With over 4,000 members and 42 chapters worldwide, it is the one of the largest LGBT employee resource groups in the world. OutServe 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.

OutServe was publicly recognized by HBO at the screening of it’s latest documentary, The Strange History of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, which premiered at a private showing on September 14, 2011 in San Francisco to approximately 1,100 people. Remember to tune in at 8 p.m. ET/PT Tuesday, September 20, for the prime-time premiere of The Strange History of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – only on HBO.