| OutServe | |
|---|---|
| Formation | 26 July 2010 |
| Location | Worldwide |
| Membership | >4,000 |
| Co-Director | JD Smith Ty Walrod |
| Website | www.OutServe.org |
OutServe is an underground network of GLB actively-serving military personnel, which launched publicly on 26 July 2010. It is co-directed by a 2009 graduate of the US Air Force Academy, Josh Seefried (formerly known as JD Smith to protect his identity) and Ty Walrod. There are over 4,000 members and 42 chapters worldwide.[1]
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OutServe is led by co-directors Josh Seefried, and civilian Ty Walrod. U.S. Army veteran, Jonathan Hopkins is the main spokesman, and was mentioned by President Barack Obama at the signing ceremony for the legislation authorizing repeal of Don't ask, don't tell (DADT). Katherine Miller, a former West Point cadet who resigned in protest of the DADT policy, is also a spokesperson and board member. USMA alumna, Brenda Sue Fulton, also the chair of Knights Out, is the communications director.[2]
There are leaders for each of the 42 chapters worldwide, whose identities, as well as those of all members, were kept anonymous under DADT. With the expiration of DADT on September 20, 2011, JD Smith revealed his true identity. One hundred and one OutServe members in total came out publicly with the end of DADT.[3]
As of April, 2011, OutServe is divided into 42 regional chapters, with a total membership of over 4,000 members. It includes personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, both commissioned officers and enlisted. Due to privacy concerns, OutServe's Membership is closely guarded and monitored. Each chapter has an internally selected leader. Several chapters have hosted meetings and social gatherings aimed at improving the morale and quality of life of the members. The structure of OutServe was inspired by the British military’s Proud2Serve organization.[4]
In June 2010, OutServe's existence came to the attention of the Office of the Secretary of Defense after sending a letter criticizing the Comprehensive Review Working Group's initial decision to exclude gay and lesbian military personnel from the review process.[2]
On July 26, 2010, OutServe was accused of falsely claiming to be the first organization to directly represent active duty service members. Walrod addressed these concerns by clarifying that OutServe was not interested in claiming credit for the work of other organizations, and only aimed to give a voice to personnel silenced by the DADT policy.[5]