A Personal Note to LGBT Military Members

From  Reverend Thomas Wade Clegg III, ordained Interfaith Minister            Major, USAFR Retired        DADT has been officially repealed. Gay and lesbian service members may now serve openly. The Department of Defense has issued guidance for service members available at http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0610_dadt/. The repeal has the force of law, passed by Congress and signed by the President. Active military should now feel comfortable to serve openly. That being said, obviously same-sex couples that have contacted us must make a personal decision with which they're comfortable. DADT repeal, of course, doesn't require them to come out. If you encounter any specific issues, you may want to reach out to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which provides direct legal services to members of the military. I also suggest (make that URGE) you to read SLDN's excellent guide on LGBT military service after repeal. It's available at http://sldn.3cdn.net/5d4dd958a62981cff8_v5m6bw1gx.pdf. Press on ... your country needs you. Blessings ... Rev. T. Wade