(Washington, D.C.) Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) today announced its first-ever Twitter chat, hosted by Legal Director David McKean, who will answer questions about LGBT military service and SLDN’s continued fight to advance military equality following repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) on September 20, 2011.
What: SLDN Live Twitter Chat w/Legal Director David McKean
When: Wednesday, August 3, 2011, from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. EDT
Where: Online at www.twitter.com via SLDN’s Twitter handle, @freedomtoserve
How: Those wishing to tweet their questions and comments should use the hashtag #SLDNchat.
“It’s our hope that this live Twitter opportunity will provide service members and those who support them an additional avenue forgetting their questions answered and their concerns addressed about the post-‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ military environment,” said SLDN Legal Director David McKean.
Wednesday’s Twitter chat comes on the heels of last week’s release of a new comprehensive legal guide for LGBT service members, veterans, future recruits, and their families, creating a first-of-its-kind overview of laws and policies related to military service following the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
“The legal guide is designed to help service members, prospective service members, their families, and friends make informed decisions about how to serve successfully as we move beyond ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ It will also assist them in understanding how to protectthemselves when necessary and how to respond if they are targeted in any way for their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity,” said McKean.
In addition to outlining SLDN’s legal services, the new guide and web site cover a myriad of issues including standards of conduct, benefits for spouses and families of service members, discharge upgrades, and veterans benefits. The new guidance becomes effective upon repeal of DADT on Tuesday, September 20, 2011.Until then, those seeking information or assistance should consult the SLDN Survival Guide, outlining issues related to serving under DADT.
Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis reiterated today that the organization will continue its fight for full equality for LGB troops who are serving today, as well as for those qualified Americans who wish to join, after the repeal of DADT takes place on September 20, 2011.
“The work of advancing military equality marches forward after repeal. At SLDN, we will fight alongside those who may face harassment or discrimination as we oversee implementation; when necessary and timely, litigate in the courts to bring about full LGBT equality in America’s military; advocate for legally married service members to receive the same benefits as their straight counterparts; and assist veterans to correct or upgrade their discharge paperwork,” said Sarvis.
To download Freedom to Serve: The Definitive Guide to LGBT Military Service, click here: http://sldn.3cdn.net/1545237c39b42f6e95_hrm6bw1gx.pdf
For immediate release:
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Contact:
Zeke Stokes: (803) 479-0439 (cell) / (202) 621-5406 (office) or zeke@sldn.org
Paul DeMiglio: (202) 621-5408 (office) or paul@sldn.org
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