Two organizations that specialize in serving and advocating for LGBT veterans will finalize their merge into a single organization during their board meetings in Orlando Oct. 26-28.
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) works to advance the causes of LGBT veterans primarily through litigation and legal advice. Outserve was formed via grassroots and online efforts and works to support LGBT personnel through education, speaking engagements and lobbying efforts.
“What began as a simple effort to tell our stories has grown into something we could never have imagined, and today’s announcement that OutServe and SLDN will combine represents the next step in that evolution,” said Josh Seefried, co-founder and co-director of OutServe. “Each organization brings its own strengths to the fight for full LGBT military equality, and we are stronger together.”
The October meeting where the merge will be finalized is the Second Annual OutServe International Leadership Conference at the military's Shades of Green Resort in Orlando. Until that time, the boards and staff of both organizations will focus on unifying the two administratively, financially, and organizationally, according to a joint press release from the two groups.
