Is it safe to come out on this web site?
Only the person choosing to come out can answer how, when, and to whom it is safe to do so and what personal risks are involved, and sadly, there are still times and places where caution and discernment should be exercised. However, the more people who come out as LGB veterans, active-duty troops, or allies, the safer it will be for the next person.

We are committed to all-volunteer coming out. No one will be identified on this site without their express and explicit consent.

Revealing your sexuality is a difficult decision to make, especially in a potentially hostile environment. Our military has made enough sacrifices; we will not ask them to sacrifice their privacy or their right to come out when, where, and to whom they choose.

Can I participate anonymously?
Of course. To submit your story anonymously, check the appropriate box on the submission form. (If you submit an anonymous video, you are responsible for ensuring that you cannot be identified.)

How do I help if I'm not gay and not a member of the military? And why should I?
Supporting our troops is an equal rights issue, not a gay one. 70% of Americans were in favor of repealing DADT, and it is important that those people tell our LGB military that they are valued and supported, regardless of sexual orientation.

Why did you leave out the "T" in LGBT?
This question is more complicated than it might appear. We are in full support of the fight for transgender rights in the military and elsewhere, and therefore, we use LGBT when we talk about our mission and our affiliations with groups working for transgender inclusion.

However, transgender individuals are not currently eligible for military service, so when we use "LGB," we are referring to those troops who can now come out without official reprisals. Given the legal ramifications for transgender troops, we do not encourage them to come out publicly. For information on work in this area, go to the SLDN, the National Center for Transgender Equality, or Out and Equal.



If we haven't answered your question, email us.
Doesn't the repeal mean it's all over?
It isn’t all over. It is a real problem that even after DADT is history, LGB servicepeople won’t have legal recourse against discrimination, and may still face harassment and other ramifications. While securing their personal safety, it is also important to support discrimination protection for LGB troops.
Questions

How do I get involved?
  • If you are an LGB servicemember or veteran, post your video or tell your story on this website, then come out to some or all of your military contacts. Even if you don't want to come out publicly, consider a anonymous note or coming out privately to selected individuals.
  • If you are a straight servicemember or veteran, make a video in support of the LGB troops with whom you served or are serving and tell the others in your unit that orientation makes no difference to you.
  • If you are a family member or friend of an LGB servicemember, submit an anonymous note of support for your loved one and our LGB troops. (Due to the sensitivity of the coming out process, no video or other identifying information about soldiers or their families will be released.)
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OUT_af is not yet a 501(c)3 organization, so donations are not tax-deductible. However, if you would like to contribute to the site or the newly formed nonprofit, you can donate through Paypal.com. We appreciate your contribution!
I've sent in my video or note. What next?
  • Join the OutMilitary.com social media site as an LGBT servicemember, veteran, or ally.
  • Volunteer to help us or donate to the costs of running the site.
  • Support groups like the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER), OutServe, Out and Equal, or the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

Come OUT in support of LGBT troops still serving in silence.