Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Veterans of America, Inc.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
POST OFFICE BOX 610511
Birmingham, Alabama 35261-0511
(205) 833-8391 FAX (205) 833-2681
PRESS RELEASE #99-01 January 5, 1999
GLBVA NATIONAL CONVENTION TO BE HELD IN PALM SPRINGS FEBRUARY 12-14, 1999
“Not even one…”
Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Veterans from around the country will be converging on Palm Springs for its National Convention during the weekend of February 12-14, 1999. Whether or not you are a member of GLBVA we invite you to attend this important event. The issues affecting Gay American Veterans should be everyone’s concern.
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue”is an insult to everyone. But to more than 997 Gay American men and women it was more than an insult – last year it was the end of their careers. And this is only ONE year, and this has been happening for years. Many of you are familiar with Randy Shilts book “Conduct Unbecoming.” Since the publication of his book in 1993, more than 3,000 gays and lesbians have been discharged. Not even one gay or lesbian should be discharged, simply on the basis of his or her sexual orientation.. Not even one.
Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Veterans of America is the largest National Gay Veterans organization that is still challenging the federal government’s policy. Over the last two years we have visited Mr. Pang at the Pentagon, Mr. Socarides at the White House, Ms. Lobel at NGLTF, Ms. Birch at HRC, and many of our Congressmen and Senators.. We have asked all of them to help us to end the ban. Although we have received words of encouragement, little progress has been made. But we will not give up until the ban is lifted and we can all serve openly and proudly.
We hope that you will join us and support us. We have purposely kept the cost as low as possible. We have chosen Motel 6 because it is close to everything, and the cost is only $45.99 for single or double. Conference cost is only $65.00.
National Contact person
James C. Darby
P.O. Box 29317
Chicago, IL 60629
773-752-0058
jamesdarby@aol.com
Palm Springs, CA contact person –
Mel Tips, Palm Springs Chapter, President
P.O. Box 5012
Palm Springs, CA 92263
760-324-4566
taswann@aol.com
Motel 6 Downtown – On Hwy 111 Rooms are $45.99 single or double
666 S. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
Ph 760-327-4200
Fax 760-320-9827
1-800-466-8356, Branch #0689
GLBVA is an all volunteer membership based organization. We have no paid staff. All monies collected are used for newsletters, postage and occasional wreathlayings in Washington DC. All officers pay their own expenses everywhere. We are a 501( c ) 3 organization and accept all donations.