Don't Ask Don't Tell

[nirvelli_lynn]

My girlfriend is getting kicked out of the military due to DADT. She's working with JAG right now to try to get a general discharge vs dishonorable. She was honorably discharged from the Army (now is in the reserves) after 6 years of service. She served in special forces (a rarity for women), was shot twice, has a broze star and several medals for

Comments

[mathwhiz78]

I'd also recommend talking to Servicemembers Legal Defense Network--sldn.org.

[nirvelli_lynn]

thank you! this is a great starting point!

[bialogue]

I would agree that SLDN is the best for this, dealing with legal situations having to do with the US Military is very specialized. Just for reference there is also:

o National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)
o Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund
o a list of good links from New England GLBT Veterans

Please do not under any circumstances let her deal with this without proper representation from a good LGBT Legal Defense group by her side. No matter what they say the government legal people do not have her best interest at heart.

And if you feel you are not being listened or treated right by any of these LGBT Community resources please contact us immediately and we will pull whatever strings we can for you to make it right.

While Bialogue is a Political Action Committee set up by and for the Bisexual Community, we are here to help anyone who needs it. We can be reach right here or via email at alerts@bialogue.org if you want more privacy.

[nirvelli_lynn]

technically she was back up... or umm.. *searches for the word* assistant(?) to the special forces, but she was in the field just as often (hense the shot twice thing...) In Iraq she was part of the Lioness Team which requires 1 women out with men because men cannot search/touch women.

While they say that women cannot be in combat, they are. Life in the military and Iraq is quite different for different ppl. Some ppl (men and women) never leave the green zone and are quite safe nearly all the time... while others go out. Just depends on your job and what you volunteer to do.

I've heard stories of her traveling all over the world.. and not heard many stories as she can't tell me those ;)

[briar_witch]

"While they say that women cannot be in combat, they are."
This is indeed the reality. I know someone who is a woman and who was in combat during the first Iraq war. I'm sure there are many more.

What they are doing to your friend is abhorant. I am sorry she is facing this.

[a_tergo_lupi]

No help, but, I'm sorry :(

[paper_crystals]

I can't help either but I hope your girlfriend is able to find help.

[moonlight_in_vt]

I don't have any help, but I just wanted to say I'm sorry for your girlfriend :(