(Washington, D.C.) Our Time: Breaking the Silence of Don't Ask, Don't Tell hits bookshelves tomorrow and among its contributors are a Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) co-founder, a member of the SLDN staff, and an SLDN client, discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) and now seeking to be reinstated to the Air Force. The book's editor, First Lieutenant Josh Seefried (USAF), is a co-founder of OutServe, the network of currently serving LGBT military personnel that emerged in 2010 as a player in the fight to repeal DADT.
"Servicemembers Legal Defense Network was critical in protecting the careers of gay and lesbian patriots affected by 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' while the law was on the books, and I wanted to not only highlight the experience of these service members, but also include the inspiring story of co-founder, Michelle Benecke, whose visionary leadership helped create SLDN and protect and defend so many individuals wanting nothing more than to serve their country with integrity and pride," said Seefried.
Benecke is featured prominently in the book, along with former Marine Lance Corporal Danny Hernandez, discharged under DADT and a member of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) staff, and former Air Force Staff Sergeant Anthony Loverde, a plaintiff in an ongoing lawsuit brought by SLDN that seeks the reinstatement of three service members discharged unjustly under DADT.
"It's an honor to have been given the opportunity to share my story with the readers of Our Time. Young and old, enlisted and officer, thousands of LGBT service members have a different experience to share. As we move forward in the fight for full equality in the military, I hope these stories will be a reminder of the diversity that exists within the ranks and the work that still must be done," said Hernandez.
Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis said he is pleased that SLDN's role representing service members throughout the DADT era is highlighted in the book and reiterated the need for continued support for service members as the organization continues its work on inequalities that remain now that DADT is history.
"The work of advancing military equality marches forward. 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.
The book is published by Penguin Press and is available for pre-order on Amazon.com before its official release date on October 13.
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SLDN FREE HOTLINE: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100. SLDN'sFreedom to Serve: The Definitive Guide to LGBT Military Service, may be found here.