LAS VEGAS: Out Military Members Gather To Discuss Post-DADT Life

A small convention of out members of the military takes place in Las Vegas this weekend as attendees work through the new issues of a post-DADT life.

The OutServe Leadership Summit is designed to highlight the diversity of gays in the military and the challenges they face, and marks the largest gathering of gay troops in one location since the ban was lifted last month. OutServe is a formerly clandestine network of gay and lesbian service members that lobbied the Pentagon to support repealing "don't ask, don't tell." The four-day conference kicked off Thursday at the New York, New York hotel/casino with private meetings for leaders of the group's 48 chapters around the world. At least 215 service members, veterans and civilian supporters — registration was capped to make the event manageable — have signed up to mingle and to attend panel discussions that range from marriage and the push to secure benefits for gay military spouses to post-military careers and the remaining ban on transgender troops. The CIA is among the event's sponsors, and other scheduled workshops include topics such as Scriptures and Homosexuality.

(Tipped by JMG reader Philip)