Category Archives: Action

AVER is about action!

AVER statement on the Indiana Religious Freedom Law

AMERICAN VETERANS FOR EQUAL RIGHTS
For Immediate Release
March 27, 2015

Re: AVER statement on the Indiana Religious Freedom Law

Contact:
Denny Meyer, AVER Public Affairs, 718 849-5665
Steve Loomis, AVER President, president@aver.us

Atlanta, GA (MAR 27, 2015) –
American Veterans for Equal Rights, the nation’s LGBT Veterans Service Organization, joins other civil rights organizations in condemning the so-called “religious freedom” law enacted in Indiana. In signing a law that promotes discrimination against LGBT Americans as a “freedom,” Indiana governor Mike Pence has dishonored the sacrifices of our nation’s gay service men and women based in Indiana who place themselves in harm’s way to defend our freedom overseas and deserve better than a second class citizenship and a sign that says “your kind not welcome here.” Hatred, no matter how sanctimoniously justified, is never a virtue, and a law that promotes discrimination is distinctly unworthy of a free nation where so many patriots have given their lives in defense of “liberty and justice for all.”

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Open House Honors LGBT Military Service

LGBT Veterans & Active Duty in San Diego,

You are invited to meet with fellow LGBT Active Duty, Reserves, Guard and Veterans as guests of American Veterans for Equal Rights for a luncheon at the Bamboo Lounge (& T-deli) honoring your service. A new San Diego Chapter of AVER will be formed and you are encouraged to be a part of this effort to make our veteran services, companionship and advocacy available to those in the San Diego area.

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AVER: SVV Leads the Way as a VSO

The mission of American Veterans for Equal Rights is “evolving,” to borrow a popular term. Through much of our organization’s 25 year history our central goal has been to fight for the right of LGBT people to serve in the United States military. While that goal has been largely achieved, the mission will continue until Transgender patriots are able to serve just as lesbian, gay, and bisexual people can now serve. And like many of our sister organizations we continue to identify and reform issues and challenges unique to LGBT service members, veterans, and our families. But the overall focus of AVER as a Veterans Service Organization is expanding to encompass the same mission as other VSOs, which is to help veterans access the benefits they have earned, and navigate the very difficult and unfortunately copious labyrinth of VA bureaucracy. One of AVER’s chapters that is providing outstanding service as a Veterans Service Organization is Sacramento Valley Veterans (SVV), located in California’s state capitol.

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Pictured Above: The Sacramento Valley Veterans (SVV) representing at the UC Davis Davis Medical Center Veterans, Disabled and Diversity Career and Resource Fair – 14 May 2014 — with Michael D Williams, Ty Redhouse, Gene Silvestri, Kevin Alverson and Viviana Taylor at UC Davis Medical Center.

Sacramento Valley Veterans is an extremely dynamic and active organization with monthly membership and board meetings, as well as weekly leadership meetings. Their yearly calendar consists of a whopping number of almost 100 events, including outreach and staffing at a myriad of events from LGBT Pride to Veterans Resource and Career fairs around the state, and providing speakers for numerous events such as high school and university groups, PFLAG meetings, senior and community centers, VA events, and veteran resource collaborative. SVV has participated in Pride events on local military installations and policy discussions on LGBT specific healthcare issues with the VA.

 
SVV president Michael D. Williams (US Army 1995-1999) attributes much of the chapter’s success to a core team of board members who each bring unique skills to the organization. The leadership team includes Vice President Ty Redhouse (USAF) whose invaluable knowledge of social media keeps SVV on the cutting edge of electronic communications including web pages, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, all essential tools in reaching out to the vast network of tech savvy younger vets. Chapter Secretary Gene P. Silvestri, (US Army), a disabled transgender veteran, has extensive knowledge and experience in VA documentation and claims processing, as well as invaluable contacts within the VA itself, all assets in helping him assist fellow veterans in navigating the VA system and accessing benefits. Rounding out the team is former Chief Petty Officer Charles Peer (US Navy retired) whose considerable service on the boards of other local organizations as well as his position as editor of Outword Magazine keeps SVV in close touch with Sacramento’s greater LGBT community. Michael himself attributes much of his success as chapter president to his social networking and political activism, which have opened doors to important resources such as elected officials and other LGBT organizations. It doesn’t hurt that the chapter is located in California’s state capitol where lawmakers are readily available.

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Pictured Above: The Sacarmento Valley Veterans Chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights prepares to lead the Sacramento Veterans Day Parade.

One of SVV’s most effective efforts is the chapter’s twice monthly Veterans Service Clinic which they host at Sacramento’s Lavender Library, an LGBT resource center and offshoot of the city’s LGBT Center. At these clinics Gene Silvestri and other members of SVV offer one-on-one counseling in helping veterans file initial claims with the VA as well as the increasingly necessary appeals which often follow. SVV has helped veterans with other challenges such as housing and employment, and they help connect veterans with elected officials who have been very effective in streamlining the claims process and helping veterans solve challenges by applying political pressure. SVV has helped LGBT veterans connect with established VSOs and experienced Veterans Service Officers who can be invaluable in working to obtain assistance and upgrade disability claims. Michael reports that some of the VSOs who have been accepting of LGBT veterans are Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA). Such VSOs frequently have offices inside the local VA hospitals and are often the most effective resource in assisting vets to access benefits. Although SVV is open to assisting all vets in need, Michael reports that the vast majority of veterans coming to the chapter for assistance are LGBT.

 
An exciting opportunity came about last year when the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CALVets) contacted SVV about co-hosting a statewide outreach event for LGBT veterans. SVV’s networking with state VA officials had established them as an important resource for LGBT vets, and the state turned to the chapter as a crucial partner in hosting the first ever California VA forum for LGBT vets. CALVets had hosted a number of statewide events for minority vets including Black and Women veterans. California was taking a step towards recognizing LGBT veterans as a “protected class,” (a designation that remains a major goal for AVER at the federal level) and they turned to SVV for assistance. The first state sponsored CALVets LGBT Military Leadership Forum was held September 26-27 at the University of California Sacramento, with Sacramento Valley Veterans as co-host and AVER as a sponsor of the historic event.

 

Like many of AVER’s chapters around the nation, Sacramento Valley Veterans fields a military color guard, and the SVV group has had some high profile honors which have produced major visibility for the chapter. In addition to providing color services to many of the state’s LGBT events such as Stonewall Democrats and Sacramento Pride, the SVV color guard has had the honor of serving as lead color guard for the Sacramento Veterans Day Parade since 2011. They became the first LGBT color guard ever to open a ceremony within the California State Capital at the Swearing In ceremony of the State Speaker of the California House of Representatives.

 

Every chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights is unique. The priorities and focus of each chapter depend largely on the members of the chapter and how they choose to focus their energy, as well as the region where the chapter is located and the unique challenges that result from differing levels of acceptance towards LGBT citizens. Sacramento Valley Veterans has done a remarkable job of providing services to LGBT veterans while working to create a more just and tolerant society through education and networking. AVER is very proud of SVV’s outstanding achievements. In many ways, SVV represents the future of this organization in a post-ban era. Thank you, SVV, for your dedication to your fellow vets and our greater LGBT community. You lead the way in service. Thank you for lighting our path with steadfast commitment and bold leadership.
Sacramento Valley Vets website: http://www.sacvalleyvets.com

Danny Ingram, Past President
American Veterans for Equal Rights

AVER 25th Anniversary Pin

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In commemoration of our 25th anniversary as America’s oldest and largest national LGBT Veterans Service Organization, American Veterans for Equal Rights is offering this special pin as a gift to veterans and service members who join or renew their membership this year.

AVER has helped create change in our successful operation to lift the ban against Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual military service and ensure equality of benefits to the families of our service members and veterans. Numbers count, and this work would not have been possible without the support and gravitas of our valued members. Much work remains, and we can help accomplish more change only if we maintain a strong base of membership. Please consider becoming a member of AVER or renewing your membership.

You can become a member of AVER by visiting our website at AVER.us or OUTVETS.us and clicking the link that says JOIN. Your oath and commitment to protect our nation’s future did not end when you left the military. Your service continues. Please enlist now with American Veterans for Equal Rights and join other distinguished LGBT veterans and service members as we continue the fight to bring freedom and equality to America’s honored LGBT warriors.

Danny Ingram, President Emeritus
American Veterans for Equal Rights

Transgender Veteran Survey being conducted by US Dept of Veterans Affairs

Transgender Veterans Research
The Veterans Administration, via the Puget Sound VA, is conducting one of the first VA research projects regarding Transgender Veterans, in order to be able to provide better, relevant, and more competent service.  The questionnaire is lengthy and could cause some stress for individual veterans; but we believe that the potential for directly informing the VA and for improved VA treatment makes participation worthwhile.  See below.

Seeking transgender individuals who served in the military!

Are you MTF, FTM, or any other gender that is different from your birth sex? Did you previously serve in the military? If so, we invite you to participate in a study focusing on your life experiences as a transgender Veteran and the challenges you may have faced. 

The goal of the Transgender Veteran Survey is to better understand the specific experiences of transgender Veterans and promote their health and well-being. We are especially interested in hearing the diverse voices within our communities.

This is an anonymous, web-based survey that may take approximately 1 hour to complete, and is conducted by researchers at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System. For more information, please go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/transvet, or contact the Transgender Veteran Survey staff at (206) 277-1511

Veterans Affairs

AVER Veterans Affairs is dedicated to advocating and serving the needs of America’s LGBT armed forces veterans with information, referral, and limited legal consultation regarding VA benefits claims.

GETTING HELP:
Individual Inquiries:

If you have specific questions about veterans benefits eligibility or your rights as an LGBT American armed forces veteran, you may contact us directly and we will do our best to provide information and referral and point you in the right direction to resolve your issues.  Please contact us at vetsaffairs@aver.us
Please note that we are not able to provide immediate or emergency assistance.

Legal Consultation:
AVER LEGAL CONSULTATION REGARDING VA CLAIMS FOR LGBT VETERANS

AVER Veterans Affairs is offering limited legal consultation to LGBT
Veterans with VA Claims issues. Rochelle Richardson, Principal Attorney at Rochelle E. Richardson, Attorney at Law, PLLC, is a VA accredited attorney, and provides representation to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, nationwide, in their claims for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. As her time permits, referrals will be made to Ms. Richardson for veterans to consult with her on VA claims issues. Ms. Richardson, a veteran, has volunteered to provide this limited service to AVER.  Please contact AVER Veterans Affairs at vetsaffairs@aver.us  This is not an emergency service.

LGBT Veterans Benefits E-Mail Discussion Group:

The AVERvetsBenefits e-mail discussion group is for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender veterans to share information on issues of specific concern to them as LGBT veterans, e.g., service discharge upgrades, VA health services for HIV/AIDS, same-sex partner issues at VA, etc. Click here to join the group.

Liaison with LGBT Organizations:

AVER Veterans Affairs maintains liaison and coordination with other LGBT service organizations such as TAVA (Transgender American Veterans Association), OutServe (the active duty LGBT service organization), S.W.A.N. (Service Women’s Action Network), SAGE (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders), among others; serving on committees and boards, and participating in forums and conferences regarding the rights and needs of LGBT service members.

We maintain particularly close coordination with TAVA regarding Transgender veterans receiving respectful, dignified, and sensitive treatment at VA facilities in accordance with a 2011 VA directive concerning the treatment of Transgender veterans.

AVER Veterans Affairs has liaison with the Veterans Administration and has provided consultation to Pentagon personnel regarding the survey and transition process to open service.

AVER Veterans Affairs has particularly participated in and or coordinated conferences, articles, and discussions regarding VA treatment of HIV/AIDS and PTSD in LGBT veterans.

AVER Veterans Affairs is engaged in an ongoing aggressive campaign to establish and secure the rights of LGBT service members and veterans. At the national and local level, via AVER chapters, we continually write letters to editors of gay and mainstream media, promote and endorse LGBT rights legislation, participate in efforts to keep VA hospitals open, and regularly liaison with elected officials and political candidates.

AVER VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE:

The AVER Veterans Affairs Committee brings together lawyers, social workers, psychologists, therapists, VSOs and others involved in direct service with LGBT vets for discussion, consultation, and referral. To inquire about participation in the AVER Veterans Affairs Committee, please contact vetsaffairs@aver.us

Please Help AVER to continue working for your rights and benefits, donate
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Useful Toll-Free Telephone Numbers

Department of Veterans Affairs 1-800-827-1000
Veterans Health Administration 1-877-222-8387
Veterans Benefits Administration 1-800-827-1000