Scotland Office’s Post

📺If you missed our insightful panel discussion that explored the recommendations of the Etherton Review and the possibilities of making reparations to UK LGBT veterans who experienced discrimination, you can catch up now on our website!

“As Secretary of Defense, I remain dedicated to making sure that our LGBTQ+ personnel across the Joint Force can continue to serve the country that we all love with dignity and pride — this month and every other one,” wrote Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to commemorate Pride Month in 2023. In 1993, the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was passed, which prohibited the military from asking about one’s sexuality but also prohibited openly gay, lesbian or bisexual persons from serving in the military. Though now seen by many as regressive, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was an improvement on the 1982 policy that explicitly banned gay men and lesbians from serving. In 2011, Congress repealed the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy and allowed gay, lesbian and bisexual men and women to serve openly in the military. In 2021, a policy was passed allowing transgender people to openly serve. The Department of Defense has a rich history of expanding its circle of inclusivity, setting an example for the rest of the nation. The DOD is one of the most diverse organizations in the world and that diversity is one of its greatest strengths, helping it face the complex challenges in the 21st century national security environment. #USArmySignalCorps #Signalcorps #USARMY @US_CYBERCOM @ARCYBER @armyfutures @Signal_School

Growth in the number of women, LGBTQ+ and racial and ethnic minority individuals serving in the military has created an increasingly diverse veteran population. This diversity has created challenges for the Department of Veterans Affairs—specifically, challenges to ensure equity in access to health care, services and benefits for all the veterans it serves. In 2024, DAV will push the VA to do the following: 1. Provide enhanced research and data collection needed for program improvement 2. Ensure diverse representation and culturally sensitive programming 3. Ensure access to quality clinical services wherever care is received 4. Improve environment of care Learn more about DAV’s critical policy goals at http://dav.la/CPG2024.

Modern Military is calling on our community! Your voice is needed. We are actively seeking written and video testimonials addressing critical issues impacting LGBTQ+ service members and their families: ✨Opposing the NDAA rider prohibiting healthcare for trans youth: Share how this provision would harm your military family or loved ones. ✨Ensuring administration nominees defend our communities: Explain how specific nominees could negatively impact you, your career, or your family. ✨Opposing a ban on trans troops: Share your personal journey and the potential impact of a ban on the armed forces. Your story is essential. It can help: ✨Educate policymakers on the real-world consequences of these issues. ✨Influence key decision-makers to champion policies that promote inclusion and equality. ✨Inspire action among others within the LGBTQ+ military community. Together, we can advocate for a more inclusive and secure future for all service members and their families. #shareyourstory #advocate #lgbtq #ndaa https://loom.ly/-MJZyUo

At Modern Military, we know our community is rattled by today's flurry of reporting about a potential impending ban on transgender service. This Military.com com article is just one of many you might have come across: https://lnkd.in/eAh97HZK. We want to reassure everyone that there is not yet any public evidence, policy, or decision from the incoming administration. At this point, this is speculative, and nothing is certain or definitive. That said, we are concerned that another ban remains a possibility, and we deeply understand the fear and uncertainty this incites for so many service members and their loved ones. In the mean time, please read our open letter that covers ways the LGBTQ+ community can prepare in the coming months: https://lnkd.in/e6yb8G3J. We will keep our community updated with any new developments. 

US Overview – August 2024 ▪ United States: The Democratic National Convention in Chicago coincided with a surge in demonstrations, including support for reproductive, labor, and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as criticism of the Democratic Party’s policies on Palestine and Israel. ▪ Radical groups: Patriot Front continues to dominate radical group activity in the US, with nearly a third of all militia and far-right demonstrations in August involving this white supremacist group. Explore the full regional overview for detailed insights into these key trends and their broader implications: https://lnkd.in/e6QwvDdJ

The wealthy White supremacist male majority has spoken once again. Their money convinced a majority of Americans who have internalized the elements of White supremacist ideology in part or in whole. Over the next four years we will observe all of those elements being expressed in the targeting of African Americans, Latinxs, Muslims, indigenous peoples, migrants, members of the LGBTQ+ community, women and low-income Whites. Now is a time to organize and protect these groups.

What is glifaa? #funfactfriday "For decades, a Department of State employee’s security clearance could be denied or revoked—effectively ending their careers—simply for their sexual orientation." Rules prohibiting discrimination and hostility towards non-heterosexual individuals were established in the mid-1970s. However, they did not apply to the Foreign Service. #glifaa stands for Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies and was created by USAID employees David Buss and David Larson in 1992. It was formed as an employee affinity group for LGBT+ employees, family members, and allies in US foreign affairs agencies. glifaa gained support from influential people like Madeleine Albright, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and more, and enabled numerous policy changes to support LGBT rights. With community and government support, glifaa was able to expand its programs throughout the years. Today, glifaa is a global network of nearly 1000 members and allies. As of today, there have been 20 #LGBT ambassadors in posts worldwide!

I’ve written about the welcome LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme for Armed Forces Veterans, announced by the government on 12 December 2024. My blog covers an overview of the scheme and guidance on how to apply. https://lnkd.in/e_UGHRgp

🚨 New magazine alert 🚨 This year's final issue of Modern Military magazine is live and double the usual size! It focuses on faith and spirituality — and how those concepts can look different for the LGBTQ+ and/or military communities. Read now for impactful stories and expert insight on topics like religious trauma, affirming chaplains, discrimination laws, and reconciling spirituality and LGBTQ+ identity: https://loom.ly/OiFhjSw #lgbtqmilitary, #religioustrauma, #queerfaith #modernmilitary