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
OutInNationalSecurity.org
Check Out our NEW Transgender Veterans Toolkit: lnkd.in/gXFMYeQe
OutInNationalSecurity.org
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Support ONS
As a 501c(3), ONS depends on the support of grants and gifts to grow our community and capability.
givebutter.com
If you would like to support our efforts to protect and defend #LGBTQIA+ people, hit the link below.
givebutter.com/tGEHAH
givebutter.com/tGEHAH
Looking for a break from the chaotic news with something truly personal and meaningful? Our Co-Founder
@lfschleusener.bsky.social was featured on an episode of "This Queer Book Saved My Life" about the life of civil and gay rights pioneer Bayard Rustin.
Listen here: shorturl.at/TbFqh
@lfschleusener.bsky.social was featured on an episode of "This Queer Book Saved My Life" about the life of civil and gay rights pioneer Bayard Rustin.
Listen here: shorturl.at/TbFqh
February 10, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Looking for a break from the chaotic news with something truly personal and meaningful? Our Co-Founder
@lfschleusener.bsky.social was featured on an episode of "This Queer Book Saved My Life" about the life of civil and gay rights pioneer Bayard Rustin.
Listen here: shorturl.at/TbFqh
@lfschleusener.bsky.social was featured on an episode of "This Queer Book Saved My Life" about the life of civil and gay rights pioneer Bayard Rustin.
Listen here: shorturl.at/TbFqh
For some lighter weekend listening, our Co-Founder
@lfschleusener.bsky.social was featured on Gayish, a fantastic podcast Esquire says brings “a sense of thoughtfulness along with humor", as Luke guides them through NatSec news and impacts on our community
Listen here: shorturl.at/RuWL1
@lfschleusener.bsky.social was featured on Gayish, a fantastic podcast Esquire says brings “a sense of thoughtfulness along with humor", as Luke guides them through NatSec news and impacts on our community
Listen here: shorturl.at/RuWL1
February 6, 2026 at 8:07 PM
For some lighter weekend listening, our Co-Founder
@lfschleusener.bsky.social was featured on Gayish, a fantastic podcast Esquire says brings “a sense of thoughtfulness along with humor", as Luke guides them through NatSec news and impacts on our community
Listen here: shorturl.at/RuWL1
@lfschleusener.bsky.social was featured on Gayish, a fantastic podcast Esquire says brings “a sense of thoughtfulness along with humor", as Luke guides them through NatSec news and impacts on our community
Listen here: shorturl.at/RuWL1
A reminder: Join us this Saturday @ 2pm at the U.S. Botanical Gardens 🌿🌸🌻 SIGNUP HERE: shorturl.at/2vGJs
January 29, 2026 at 10:31 PM
A reminder: Join us this Saturday @ 2pm at the U.S. Botanical Gardens 🌿🌸🌻 SIGNUP HERE: shorturl.at/2vGJs
Join us at Thee Immigrant, 341 E 9th St, New York, 4-7 TONIGHT.
If you get there early enough, you get swag.
If you get there early enough, you get swag.
After plenty of false starts and delays, off to NYC for the kick off of the @outinnationalsecurity.org hub with @travioli.bsky.social and the gang.
January 29, 2026 at 7:33 PM
Join us at Thee Immigrant, 341 E 9th St, New York, 4-7 TONIGHT.
If you get there early enough, you get swag.
If you get there early enough, you get swag.
Hey folks, Luke here. I’m sharing a brief look-ahead for ONS in 2026, and how you can be part of the movement.
We're grounding our efforts in a simple framework:
Protect. Grow. Build.
We're grounding our efforts in a simple framework:
Protect. Grow. Build.
January 28, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Hey folks, Luke here. I’m sharing a brief look-ahead for ONS in 2026, and how you can be part of the movement.
We're grounding our efforts in a simple framework:
Protect. Grow. Build.
We're grounding our efforts in a simple framework:
Protect. Grow. Build.
Chase away mid-winter gloom with ONS during an afternoon visit to the U.S. Botanic Garden. 🌿
Nothing says resilience like verdant plants and colorful flowers in January. And yes, it is wonderfully warm inside the gardens. 😎🌴🌸
Families are very welcome. Kids, partners, and chosen family included.
Nothing says resilience like verdant plants and colorful flowers in January. And yes, it is wonderfully warm inside the gardens. 😎🌴🌸
Families are very welcome. Kids, partners, and chosen family included.
January 28, 2026 at 2:44 PM
Chase away mid-winter gloom with ONS during an afternoon visit to the U.S. Botanic Garden. 🌿
Nothing says resilience like verdant plants and colorful flowers in January. And yes, it is wonderfully warm inside the gardens. 😎🌴🌸
Families are very welcome. Kids, partners, and chosen family included.
Nothing says resilience like verdant plants and colorful flowers in January. And yes, it is wonderfully warm inside the gardens. 😎🌴🌸
Families are very welcome. Kids, partners, and chosen family included.
Chase away mid-winter gloom with fun and fellowship by joining ONS leaders at the US Botanical Garden. It's nice and warm inside 😎🌴🌸
When: Sat, Jan 31 - Meet at 2:00pm
Where: Gather at Le Bon Cafe (210 2nd St SE) before walking together to the garden
Sing up here: tinyurl.com/jrdhp2th
When: Sat, Jan 31 - Meet at 2:00pm
Where: Gather at Le Bon Cafe (210 2nd St SE) before walking together to the garden
Sing up here: tinyurl.com/jrdhp2th
January 21, 2026 at 7:50 PM
Chase away mid-winter gloom with fun and fellowship by joining ONS leaders at the US Botanical Garden. It's nice and warm inside 😎🌴🌸
When: Sat, Jan 31 - Meet at 2:00pm
Where: Gather at Le Bon Cafe (210 2nd St SE) before walking together to the garden
Sing up here: tinyurl.com/jrdhp2th
When: Sat, Jan 31 - Meet at 2:00pm
Where: Gather at Le Bon Cafe (210 2nd St SE) before walking together to the garden
Sing up here: tinyurl.com/jrdhp2th
The news that the Pentagon has directed a pause on shipping HIV-positive recruits to initial military training signals a disturbing shift in policy and priorities.
www.cnn.com/2026/01/17/p...
www.cnn.com/2026/01/17/p...
Pentagon pauses HIV-positive recruit training while signaling it may soon reinstate a ban on their enlistment | CNN Politics
The Pentagon has ordered the military command that oversees new recruits’ enlistment to hold off on initial training for people who are HIV-positive and recently enlisted in the military, CNN has lear...
www.cnn.com
January 20, 2026 at 4:17 PM
The news that the Pentagon has directed a pause on shipping HIV-positive recruits to initial military training signals a disturbing shift in policy and priorities.
www.cnn.com/2026/01/17/p...
www.cnn.com/2026/01/17/p...
Prohibiting access to life-saving healthcare prohibits tens of thousands of Americans from serving their country because of who they are and not because of their competence or qualifications.
Some crucial context about below:
FEHBP now bans coverage under federal dictate from the current administration
This language being removed does not mean a coverage ban is killed but rather that a future Democrat can reverse the existing ban
FEHBP now bans coverage under federal dictate from the current administration
This language being removed does not mean a coverage ban is killed but rather that a future Democrat can reverse the existing ban
BREAKING and HUGE news for transgender people: The bipartisan final negotiated text for these spending bills REMOVED language to restrict gender-affirming care as part of the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program.
docs.house.gov/billsthiswee...
docs.house.gov/billsthiswee...
January 12, 2026 at 7:58 PM
Prohibiting access to life-saving healthcare prohibits tens of thousands of Americans from serving their country because of who they are and not because of their competence or qualifications.
ICYMI
Today, CEC Chair @repmarktakano.bsky.social & Co-Chair @mcbride.house.gov honored the retirement of several trans servicemembers who were forced to retire because of Trump's trans troop ban.
Our members will never stop fighting for the rights & dignity of trans servicemembers & veterans.
Our members will never stop fighting for the rights & dignity of trans servicemembers & veterans.
January 12, 2026 at 7:44 PM
ICYMI
As approximately 4,000 transgender servicemembers are forcibly separated under a cruel and irrational EO, we are continuing to work with partners and state and local government to help patriotic Americans make this transition smoothly.
www.outinnationalsecurity.org/transgender-...
www.outinnationalsecurity.org/transgender-...
January 8, 2026 at 6:45 PM
As approximately 4,000 transgender servicemembers are forcibly separated under a cruel and irrational EO, we are continuing to work with partners and state and local government to help patriotic Americans make this transition smoothly.
www.outinnationalsecurity.org/transgender-...
www.outinnationalsecurity.org/transgender-...
We’re thrilled to be in attendance today among so many prior ONS honorees, friends, allies, and advisory’s for such an important event.
TODAY: HRC Foundation is honored to host a retirement ceremony for five distinguished trans servicemembers whose service spans decades & countries across the globe, presided by General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army (Ret.).
Join us live at 1pm ET: https://youtube.com/live/G58HxFomwcg?feature=share
Join us live at 1pm ET: https://youtube.com/live/G58HxFomwcg?feature=share
Honoring the Retirement of Transgender Troops and the Courage of LGBTQ+ Servicemembers
YouTube video by Human Rights Campaign
youtube.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:16 PM
We’re thrilled to be in attendance today among so many prior ONS honorees, friends, allies, and advisory’s for such an important event.
All veterans should have full access to reproductive care, whether it is contraception, counseling, abortions, IVF, or surrogacy.
They should not have fewer benefits than the All-Volunteer Force or civilians. This furtive policy change is an insult and an attack on America's promise to veterans.
They should not have fewer benefits than the All-Volunteer Force or civilians. This furtive policy change is an insult and an attack on America's promise to veterans.
🚨🚨 SCOOP @ms.now : The Department of Veteran Affairs has quietly implemented its abortion ban following a DOJ memo issued last week.
This will affect 9 million veterans and their dependents, and has been a long time coming: It was outlined in Project 2025.
Read/share 👇
This will affect 9 million veterans and their dependents, and has been a long time coming: It was outlined in Project 2025.
Read/share 👇
Department of Veterans Affairs quietly implements abortion ban
A VA spokesperson confirmed to MS NOW that the ban was in place following a Department of Justice memo issued last week.
www.ms.now
December 23, 2025 at 11:50 PM
All veterans should have full access to reproductive care, whether it is contraception, counseling, abortions, IVF, or surrogacy.
They should not have fewer benefits than the All-Volunteer Force or civilians. This furtive policy change is an insult and an attack on America's promise to veterans.
They should not have fewer benefits than the All-Volunteer Force or civilians. This furtive policy change is an insult and an attack on America's promise to veterans.
December 15 marks the anniversary of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
Fifteen years ago, the U.S. military formally ended a policy that forced thousands of servicemembers to choose between integrity and service.
Fifteen years ago, the U.S. military formally ended a policy that forced thousands of servicemembers to choose between integrity and service.
December 23, 2025 at 12:32 AM
December 15 marks the anniversary of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
Fifteen years ago, the U.S. military formally ended a policy that forced thousands of servicemembers to choose between integrity and service.
Fifteen years ago, the U.S. military formally ended a policy that forced thousands of servicemembers to choose between integrity and service.
It was a BIG year for ONS. Here's our greatest hits and favorite songs of 2025 !
December 19, 2025 at 10:23 PM
It was a BIG year for ONS. Here's our greatest hits and favorite songs of 2025 !
As part of our spotlight series, Out Leader Alum Erik Lin-Greenberg has a fantastic new book called Remote Revolution!
Erik provides a preview, and for more details the book is currently available with a pretty big discount from Cornell University Press (44% off) with the discount code: 09WINTER
Erik provides a preview, and for more details the book is currently available with a pretty big discount from Cornell University Press (44% off) with the discount code: 09WINTER
December 18, 2025 at 1:09 PM
As part of our spotlight series, Out Leader Alum Erik Lin-Greenberg has a fantastic new book called Remote Revolution!
Erik provides a preview, and for more details the book is currently available with a pretty big discount from Cornell University Press (44% off) with the discount code: 09WINTER
Erik provides a preview, and for more details the book is currently available with a pretty big discount from Cornell University Press (44% off) with the discount code: 09WINTER
Hear directly from Luke in under 2 minutes for the most critical provisions LGBTQI+ service members and vets need to know about the NDAA passed this week by the House.
December 12, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Hear directly from Luke in under 2 minutes for the most critical provisions LGBTQI+ service members and vets need to know about the NDAA passed this week by the House.
The House just passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA. Once a bipartisan effort focused on readiness and pay, it is increasingly being used as a vehicle for politics.
Here is what the House bill means for LGBTQIA+ servicemembers, DoD civilians, and their families.
Here is what the House bill means for LGBTQIA+ servicemembers, DoD civilians, and their families.
December 12, 2025 at 3:24 PM
The House just passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA. Once a bipartisan effort focused on readiness and pay, it is increasingly being used as a vehicle for politics.
Here is what the House bill means for LGBTQIA+ servicemembers, DoD civilians, and their families.
Here is what the House bill means for LGBTQIA+ servicemembers, DoD civilians, and their families.
In @washblade.bsky.social our co-founder Luke shines a spotlight the Administration's dangerous discrimination campaign against LGBTQIA+ federal employees
“It’s a climate of fear without any logical pattern — people doing important, everyday work suddenly find themselves targeted" shorturl.at/aCwza
“It’s a climate of fear without any logical pattern — people doing important, everyday work suddenly find themselves targeted" shorturl.at/aCwza
www.washingtonblade.com
December 5, 2025 at 1:25 PM
In @washblade.bsky.social our co-founder Luke shines a spotlight the Administration's dangerous discrimination campaign against LGBTQIA+ federal employees
“It’s a climate of fear without any logical pattern — people doing important, everyday work suddenly find themselves targeted" shorturl.at/aCwza
“It’s a climate of fear without any logical pattern — people doing important, everyday work suddenly find themselves targeted" shorturl.at/aCwza
Starting in 90 minutes.
ONS virtual training at 7:00 PM ET. RSVP below
ONS virtual training at 7:00 PM ET. RSVP below
Join us this Wednesday at 7:00 PM to learn about how to get the most out of LinkedIn as a national security professional.
RSVP here, and we'll see you there!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
RSVP here, and we'll see you there!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
LinkedIn Best Practices Seminar
Out in National Security is happy to host our LinkedIn Best Practices Seminar at 7pm Eastern Time on 3 December, 2025.
In today's digital landscape, a strong LinkedIn profile is no longer optional, b...
docs.google.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Starting in 90 minutes.
ONS virtual training at 7:00 PM ET. RSVP below
ONS virtual training at 7:00 PM ET. RSVP below
Reposted by Out In National Security
Join us this Wednesday at 7:00 PM to learn about how to get the most out of LinkedIn as a national security professional.
RSVP here, and we'll see you there!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
RSVP here, and we'll see you there!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
LinkedIn Best Practices Seminar
Out in National Security is happy to host our LinkedIn Best Practices Seminar at 7pm Eastern Time on 3 December, 2025.
In today's digital landscape, a strong LinkedIn profile is no longer optional, b...
docs.google.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Join us this Wednesday at 7:00 PM to learn about how to get the most out of LinkedIn as a national security professional.
RSVP here, and we'll see you there!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
RSVP here, and we'll see you there!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
On Giving Tuesday, I'm asking you personally to consider supporting ONS. We're fighting for LGBTQ+ service members and veterans every day by pushing back on discriminatory policies, developing a new generation of leaders, and expanding our community outreach. Every donation makes a difference!
December 2, 2025 at 7:26 PM
On Giving Tuesday, I'm asking you personally to consider supporting ONS. We're fighting for LGBTQ+ service members and veterans every day by pushing back on discriminatory policies, developing a new generation of leaders, and expanding our community outreach. Every donation makes a difference!
Today is World AIDS Day. We remember those we lost to HIV/AIDS, honor everyone who fought for care and dignity, and stand with all who continue that work now.
December 1, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Today is World AIDS Day. We remember those we lost to HIV/AIDS, honor everyone who fought for care and dignity, and stand with all who continue that work now.
Join us this Wednesday at 7:00 PM to learn about how to get the most out of LinkedIn as a national security professional.
RSVP here, and we'll see you there!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
RSVP here, and we'll see you there!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
LinkedIn Best Practices Seminar
Out in National Security is happy to host our LinkedIn Best Practices Seminar at 7pm Eastern Time on 3 December, 2025.
In today's digital landscape, a strong LinkedIn profile is no longer optional, b...
docs.google.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Join us this Wednesday at 7:00 PM to learn about how to get the most out of LinkedIn as a national security professional.
RSVP here, and we'll see you there!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
RSVP here, and we'll see you there!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...