Out In National Security
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outinnationalsecurity.org
Out In National Security
@outinnationalsecurity.org
A non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering queer national security professionals.

Check Out our NEW Transgender Veterans Toolkit: lnkd.in/gXFMYeQe

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If you would like to support our efforts to protect and defend #LGBTQIA+ people, hit the link below.

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As a 501c(3), ONS depends on the support of grants and gifts to grow our community and capability.
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November 26, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Check out Luke's newest piece on "The Second Lavender Scare" targeting transgender service members, and a practical, state-level repair path through our Trans Veterans Policy Toolkit

www.washingtonblade.com/2025/11/24/s...
www.washingtonblade.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Join us tonight!
Folks, don't forget to join us tomorrow night for Karaoke at Dupont Italian Kitchen in DC, starting at 8:00 PM
November 21, 2025 at 7:56 PM
As we honor the sacrifices of generations of trans servicemembers, their bravery inspires us to do everything we can to protect trans veterans today.

That's why ONS launched the Transgender Veterans Toolkit, a set of proven policy recommendations for state governments.

Learn more: lnkd.in/gXFMYeQe
November 20, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Folks, don't forget to join us tomorrow night for Karaoke at Dupont Italian Kitchen in DC, starting at 8:00 PM
November 20, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Fantastic chat with @erininthemorning.com and the team, we appreciate fabulous independent journalists getting the word out 🙏 Our Trans Veterans Toolkit provides achievable quick wins for state and local leaders to help service-members access the benefits they've earned.
1. Transgender soldiers and veterans have faced horrific mistreatment by the Trump administration.

Now, a coalition of LGBTQ+ military organizations are urging states to pass legislation to help those forced out of service or off healthcare.

Subscribe to support our journalism.
Veterans Group Urges States To Pass Protective Policies In Response To Trump Trans Bans
Trans veterans are being let go without a safety net. Here’s what your state can do about it.
www.erininthemorning.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Exciting news! We’re partnering with @americanprogress.bsky.social to launch the Transgender Veterans Toolkit—a practical, state-focused resource for policymakers

If you work on state policy, know folks who do, or want to be part of the solution, SHARE this video.

Learn more here: lnkd.in/gXFMYeQe
November 12, 2025 at 7:39 PM
We're looking forward to seeing folks tonight!
We're happy to host a virtual Career Pivot Panel from 6:00 - 7:30 PM ET on Monday, November 10, 2025.

Join us to hear from our panelists, who have built expertise in diverse fields as career coaches. RVSP here and we'll see you there.

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
November 10, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Join us today at 2:00 PM!

Hit the link below to RSVP.
November 10, 2025 at 1:30 PM
It’s just a business day away now! Don’t forget to sign up and tell your friends!
We're happy to host a virtual Career Pivot Panel from 6:00 - 7:30 PM ET on Monday, November 10, 2025.

Join us to hear from our panelists, who have built expertise in diverse fields as career coaches. RVSP here and we'll see you there.

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
November 7, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Next Monday, @americanprogress.bsky.social hosts Serving All Who Served, marking the rollout of the ONS State & Local Toolkit for Transgender Veterans.

🔗 my1.americanprogress.org/serving-all-...
Serving All Who Served: State Leadership for Transgender Veterans
my1.americanprogress.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:33 PM
We're happy to host a virtual Career Pivot Panel from 6:00 - 7:30 PM ET on Monday, November 10, 2025.

Join us to hear from our panelists, who have built expertise in diverse fields as career coaches. RVSP here and we'll see you there.

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
November 5, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Our CEO, @lfschleusener.bsky.social, on how governance and accountability can prevent history from repeating itself.

clairepotter.substack.com/p/what-it-wo...
What It Would Take To Make The Next Lavender Scare Impossible?
Unlike the United States, Canada and the U.K. have moved beyond official homophobia because they refuse to forget
clairepotter.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Important developments out now:

www.bbc.com/news/article...

This story reminds us that oversight, accountability, and service must go hand in hand to keep public institutions strong. #PublicService #Leadership #NationalSecurity
King unveils new memorial to LGBT veterans after gay ban campaign
A memorial is unveiled dedicated to gay military personnel and to those who served during the armed forces gay ban.
www.bbc.com
October 27, 2025 at 5:51 PM
The Ruby Sachs Forum brought together advocates and public servants earlier this month.

We’re grateful for everyone building and repairing institutions so that service can truly reflect the people it protects.

Our recap: www.outinnationalsecurity.org/2025/10/21/r...
Reform Is Never Permanent: Reflections from the Ruby Sachs Forum on LGBTQ+ Inclusion and National Security
Adapted from remarks delivered by ONS CEO Lucas F. Schleusener at the 2025 Ruby Sachs Forum on LGBTQ+ Inclusion and National Security, hosted by The LGBT Purge Fund. The reflection draws comparative l...
www.outinnationalsecurity.org
October 22, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Feeling the impact of the shutdown? Need community and caffeine? ☕
Join us this Thursday for our ONS Furloughed Coffee Hour, a casual space to connect, share, and support one another.

📅 Thursday, Oct 23 | 11 AM–1 PM ET
📍 Doubles | 3118 Georgia Ave NW, DC
October 21, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Tomorrow we’ll share reflections from this year’s Ruby Sachs Symposium, a conversation about leadership, empathy, and community in national security.

Thanks again to @humanrights.ca and The LGBT Purge Fund for hosting us.
October 20, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Coming out, in any context, is an act of courage and connection.

Our 2025 reflection looks at what it means to belong in national security and to lead with integrity in public life.

Read it here:

www.outinnationalsecurity.org/2025/10/18/c...
Coming Out in National Security 2025: Courage, Connection, and Belonging
Luke Schleusener reflects on the sixth year of Coming Out in National Security, a campaign honoring courage, connection, and belonging across public service.
www.outinnationalsecurity.org
October 20, 2025 at 2:22 PM
New: The FY26 defense bills and new DoD policy on transgender service define personnel and readiness for years ahead.

www.outinnationalsecurity.org/2025/10/17/t...
The State of the Fight: Inclusion and Readiness in FY26 Defense Policy
As Congress debates the FY26 defense bills, questions of inclusion and readiness are again at the center of national security. This analysis from Out in National Security reviews the new Department of...
www.outinnationalsecurity.org
October 17, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Maryland’s leadership matters, not just in policy, but in community and connection.

#OutInNatSec #Leadership #PublicService #ImpactMaryland
October 15, 2025 at 5:58 PM
At Impact Maryland in Baltimore today, leaders from government, education, and business came together to talk about service, resilience, and the strength of community.

#OutInNatSec #ImpactMaryland #PublicService #LGBTQIA
October 14, 2025 at 11:04 PM
The Senate has passed its version of the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, moving the process toward conference.

Reporting via @breakingdefense.com

#OutInNatSec #NDAA

breakingdefense.com/2025/10/sena...
Senate passes $914B defense policy bill after resolving gridlock on amendments - Breaking Defense
Senators voted 77-20 to approve the National Defense Authorization Act, moving the bill forward on a largely bipartisan basis.
breakingdefense.com
October 14, 2025 at 8:25 PM
“Visibility, courage, and community keep service honest — and public trust strong.” 🌈

Proud of our community and partners who carry this forward every day.

#OutInNatSec #Leadership #PublicService
October 13, 2025 at 7:17 PM
On #NationalComingOutDay, we honor those who serve openly — and those who cannot safely do so yet.

Visibility strengthens service. 🌈

#OutInNatSec
October 11, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Paula is a patriot and this is an excellent profile of a dear friend and her lived experience
October 10, 2025 at 4:28 PM