Steve Ralls
Director of Communications
SLDN
(202) 328-3244, ext. 116
(202) 797-1635
sralls@sldn.org
April 15, 2003

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) has released an updated edition of its “Survival Guide,” a comprehensive legal guide about the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law. The guide answers frequently asked questions about the military’s gay ban, including information on coming out, reporting harassment, investigations and discharge. The revised guide also includes information for HIV-positive and transgender military personnel as well as information on veterans’ benefits.

“The ‘Survival Guide’ is the only publication that explains the military’s gay ban in simple, straight-forward terms,” said SLDN Executive Director C. Dixon Osburn. “Since its original publication, the guide has been relied upon by service members, commanders and attorneys working with ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ This new edition contains important guidance for service members, including new information reflecting anti-harassment programs SLDN helped to usher in at the Department of Defense.’”

SLDN cautioned, however, that the guide should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from an attorney. “Any service member targeted under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ or who is considering coming out or reporting harassment to their command should contact SLDN for legal counsel specific to the circumstances of their case,” said Osburn. “While the ‘Survival Guide’ includes basic information about the military’s policies, each service member’s case is unique.”

Copies of the guide are available for download at www.sldn.org, or by emailing legal@sldn.org. Service members may also contact SLDN for free, confidential legal counseling by calling (202) 328-FAIR or emailing legal@sldn.org .