Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a national, non-profit legal services, watchdog and policy organization dedicated to ending discrimination against and harassment of military personnel affected by "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and related forms of intolerance.
Who I'd like to meet: Advice for members of the military from SLDN:
Until we succeed in lifting the ban preventing gays, lesbians and bisexuals from serving openly and honestly in the military, military personnel on Myspace and other social networking sites should consider taking some commonsense precautions to protect themselves.
Under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," stating that you are lesbian, gay or bisexual to anyone, at any time, can lead to your discharge -- including statements made in online ads, profiles and chat rooms. SLDN has seen multiple cases of service members whose careers were threatened or ended because of an online statement. The safest course of action is not to state that you are lesbian, gay or bisexual online. If you choose to do so, some basic rules can help you decrease your chances of facing investigation and/or discharge:
* DO use a pseudonym or screen name to avoid disclosing your identity;
* DO NOT access Myspace or similar sites through a military computer at any time, or even through a personal computer during duty hours;
* DO NOT use a military email address for your profile;
* DO NOT choose an email handle or screen name that has any sexual connotations or lesbian or gay overtones;
* DO NOT mention the fact you are in the military in your personal profile, in chat rooms or other online forums;
* DO NOT provide photographs - especially not in uniform - or descriptions of tattoos or other identifying information;
* DO NOT tell friends in the military that you have a online profile.
* DO NOT submit your profile to be a "featured member;"
* DO NOT use online video-chat feature.
Most service members who run into trouble with the military because of their sexual orientation are reported to their commands by people they know. If you are lesbian, gay or bisexual and have chosen to pursue a career in the military under DADT, you must be extremely careful about revealing your sexual orientation to anyone, regardless of whether that person is in the military or a friend from the civilian or online world.
If you are investigated for alleged violations of "don't ask, don't tell," remember your Article 31 rights to say nothing, sign nothing and ask for legal assistance.
Thank you for adding me. I was in for 9 years and just couldn't do it anymore. I got out at the end of my enlistment but there were days when I thought I wouldn't make it. Knowing that this organization was fighting so hard for equal rights within the services really made me feel better about it... Thank you for all you have done and all you will do... and here's to all efforts ultimately proving to be successfull in the near future.
Really like the new page! that is awesome! just want to say thanks for all your help and hard work. my sweetie is coming home soon from iraq, and i know that one of your individuals have been there for both of us and he will continue to help us.
Thank you for everything you guys did for me and all the other servicemembers you protect on a daily basis! Best of luck in 2008! MR GAY WASHINGTON 2005-2006 ~ Brayden McKnight ~
"I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong." -Abraham Lincoln-
