Conquering the World

Underneath my cover, I walk a straight line, returning salutes as I pass. A sergeant salutes and says, “Good morning, Sir.”

A warm glow flushes my cheeks, and I reply, “Good morning!” Closer to work a familiar face draws near and salutes; “Good morning, Ma’am.” A heavy feeling of discontent weighs on me, and I return the salute with the grudging reply, “Good morning.” Read More

Katie Miller to be Honored by AAUW and NASPA

AAUW and NASPA to Celebrate Women Trailblazers at Conference Donna Shalala and Ritu Sharma to Appear

On May 30, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education will honor six women innovators in media, … Read More

#DONEwithDOMA: Meet Dan and Lt. Gary Ross

By Dan Ross

I am married to Lieutenant Gary Ross. He graduated from high school a year early and he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1995 at the age of 17. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) was already in effect and the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) went into effect the following year. After a few years, Gary decided to become an officer and he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. He began school in 1998 and I met him on a dating website in 2000. We have been in a committed relationship for over 13 years. Gary graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2002 and his class was the first class to graduate into war after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. He has been assigned to several ships and he is currently the Combat Systems Officer on U.S.S. ANCHORAGE (LPD 23) in San Diego.

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Love and Marriage: What About Transgender Military Partners?

In the past few months, same sex military partners have been part of the collective American conversation. When the Fort Bragg Spouse’s Club resorted to naked discrimination and active condescension to keep Ashley Broadway out, it was splashed all over the news. When Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta extended as many benefits as possible to married same sex partners under the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the LGB community celebrated. When the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the constitutionality of Article III of DOMA, the plight of same sex military couples was front and center in the reasons for striking the law down. Read More

Hiding Behind the Mask

A new name and a new beginning is where I thought I began my journey. Along the way, I realized that sacrificing my honor was not worth the facade I built. I found a way out and was nearly ousted for following my true self. Read More

Message from Our Director of Chapter + Member Services

I have the pleasure of introducing myself as I begin duties as the new Director of Chapter and Member Services. I am very excited about this position, which I am assuming after proudly serving a 26-year career in the U.S. Army. I cannot think of a more important and meaningful way to continue to serve others than to work on behalf of LGBT service members, veterans, and our families. I am very grateful to have this opportunity and I look forward to working closely with each of you as we continue to advance the important work of OutServe-SLDN. Read More

OutServe-SLDN to Participate in First National Give OUT Day!

Give OUT Day is a new national initiative that will engage hundreds of organizations and mobilize thousands of people on a single day across the country to give in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & queer community. It is a chance for LGBTQ groups large and small, to work across the wide range of issues and activities that matter to the LGBTQ community from sports to policy change, families to the arts. It is a chance for members of the LGBTQ community and our many allies to stand up and show our support for our community together on one day. It is a chance to make history, we hope you’ll join us! Read More

Mission First, People Always (except if you’re gay)

Our military’s mantra of “mission first, people always” is being stymied by a law — one that’s been declared unconstitutional by three federal district courts. Arguments before the Supreme Court in March reiterated that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is itself indefensible. Significantly, the points presented exposed the unintended, and still widely unrecognized, detrimental consequences that DOMA has on national security because of the serious harm it causes to our military and their families. Read More

What a Beautiful Farmer’s Tan … Said No One Ever!

Spring is in full effect and summer is just around the corner, let’s make sure we take caution when out in the sun. Try these products to ensure your skin stays protected from sunburns, UV rays and dry skin.

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Deployed While Trans: The Rachel Bolyard Story

Rachel Bolyard looks pretty much like most of the other contractors who have spent most of the past decade living and working in the CENTCOM AOR. She’s prior military, having spent seven years in the Army from 1988 through 1995 … Read More