Out In National Security
@outinnationalsecurity.org
A non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering queer national security professionals.
OutInNationalSecurity.org
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.
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If you would like to support our efforts to protect and defend #LGBTQIA+ people, hit the link below.
givebutter.com/tGEHAH
givebutter.com/tGEHAH
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...
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
We're looking forward to seeing folks tonight!
Join us today at 2:00 PM!
Hit the link below to RSVP.
Hit the link below to RSVP.
Join CAP and @outinnationalsecurity.org for a virtual event on November 10th launching the Transgender Veterans Toolkit for governors and state legislatures. RSVP today: https://www.americanprogress.org/events/serving-all-who-served-state-leadership-for-transgender-veterans/
Serving All Who Served: State Leadership for Transgender Veterans
Join CAP and Out in National Security for a virtual event launching the Transgender Veterans Toolkit for governors and state legislatures.
www.americanprogress.org
November 10, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Join us today at 2:00 PM!
Hit the link below to RSVP.
Hit the link below to RSVP.
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...
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
It’s just a business day away now! Don’t forget to sign up and tell your friends!
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-...
🔗 my1.americanprogress.org/serving-all-...
Serving All Who Served: State Leadership for Transgender Veterans
my1.americanprogress.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:33 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-...
🔗 my1.americanprogress.org/serving-all-...
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...
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
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...
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...
Our CEO, @lfschleusener.bsky.social, on how governance and accountability can prevent history from repeating itself.
clairepotter.substack.com/p/what-it-wo...
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
Our CEO, @lfschleusener.bsky.social, on how governance and accountability can prevent history from repeating itself.
clairepotter.substack.com/p/what-it-wo...
clairepotter.substack.com/p/what-it-wo...
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
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
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
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
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...
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
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...
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...
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
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
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
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
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.
Thanks again to @humanrights.ca and The LGBT Purge Fund for hosting us.
October 20, 2025 at 7:22 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.
Thanks again to @humanrights.ca and The LGBT Purge Fund for hosting us.
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...
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
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...
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...
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...
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
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...
www.outinnationalsecurity.org/2025/10/17/t...
Maryland’s leadership matters, not just in policy, but in community and connection.
#OutInNatSec #Leadership #PublicService #ImpactMaryland
#OutInNatSec #Leadership #PublicService #ImpactMaryland
October 15, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Maryland’s leadership matters, not just in policy, but in community and connection.
#OutInNatSec #Leadership #PublicService #ImpactMaryland
#OutInNatSec #Leadership #PublicService #ImpactMaryland
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
#OutInNatSec #ImpactMaryland #PublicService #LGBTQIA
October 14, 2025 at 11:04 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
#OutInNatSec #ImpactMaryland #PublicService #LGBTQIA
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...
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
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...
Reporting via @breakingdefense.com
#OutInNatSec #NDAA
breakingdefense.com/2025/10/sena...
“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
Proud of our community and partners who carry this forward every day.
#OutInNatSec #Leadership #PublicService
October 13, 2025 at 7:17 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
Proud of our community and partners who carry this forward every day.
#OutInNatSec #Leadership #PublicService
On #NationalComingOutDay, we honor those who serve openly — and those who cannot safely do so yet.
Visibility strengthens service. 🌈
#OutInNatSec
Visibility strengthens service. 🌈
#OutInNatSec
October 11, 2025 at 6:19 PM
On #NationalComingOutDay, we honor those who serve openly — and those who cannot safely do so yet.
Visibility strengthens service. 🌈
#OutInNatSec
Visibility strengthens service. 🌈
#OutInNatSec
Paula is a patriot and this is an excellent profile of a dear friend and her lived experience
"There was/is nothing “voluntary” about having to sacrifice childhood dreams and a military career solely to appease other people’s bigotry."
buff.ly/qVZ7kTO
buff.ly/qVZ7kTO
Forced to Leave Because of Her Gender Identity, a Sailor Found a New Way to Serve
Transgender sailor ousted from the Navy due to the military's don't ask, don't tell policy goes on to help repeal the act and christen the USS Harvey Milk.
thewarhorse.org
October 10, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Paula is a patriot and this is an excellent profile of a dear friend and her lived experience
Don't miss out on our #NCOD and US Navy Birthday Pub Quiz tomorrow
📍 Location: Dacha Navy Yard, 79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
📅 Date: Saturday, Oct 11, 2025, 1:00 PM ET
RVSP here and we'll see you there.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
📍 Location: Dacha Navy Yard, 79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
📅 Date: Saturday, Oct 11, 2025, 1:00 PM ET
RVSP here and we'll see you there.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Join Us for Our October Pub Quiz & Happy Hour
Join ONS community members, friends, and allies for a pub quiz and happy hour mixer on Saturday, October 11 celebrating the birthday of the US Navy and National Coming Out Day.
Come alone or bring y...
docs.google.com
October 10, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Don't miss out on our #NCOD and US Navy Birthday Pub Quiz tomorrow
📍 Location: Dacha Navy Yard, 79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
📅 Date: Saturday, Oct 11, 2025, 1:00 PM ET
RVSP here and we'll see you there.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
📍 Location: Dacha Navy Yard, 79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
📅 Date: Saturday, Oct 11, 2025, 1:00 PM ET
RVSP here and we'll see you there.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
On October 7, 1975, President Ford signed Public Law 94-106, requiring the U.S. military service academies to admit women for the first time. The Class of 1980 became the first to graduate women, breaking centuries of precedent and paving the way for thousands more to follow.
October 9, 2025 at 2:17 PM
On October 7, 1975, President Ford signed Public Law 94-106, requiring the U.S. military service academies to admit women for the first time. The Class of 1980 became the first to graduate women, breaking centuries of precedent and paving the way for thousands more to follow.
Proud of @lfschleusener.bsky.social remarks today at the Ruby Sachs Symposium.
Accountability and trust make inclusion durable, in every institution that serves. 🌈
#OutInNatSec #RubySachsForum
Accountability and trust make inclusion durable, in every institution that serves. 🌈
#OutInNatSec #RubySachsForum
Grateful for the conversation at the Ruby Sachs Symposium on National Security and the Law.
Accountability makes inclusion durable — and transparency keeps trust alive. 🌈
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
Accountability makes inclusion durable — and transparency keeps trust alive. 🌈
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
October 7, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Proud of @lfschleusener.bsky.social remarks today at the Ruby Sachs Symposium.
Accountability and trust make inclusion durable, in every institution that serves. 🌈
#OutInNatSec #RubySachsForum
Accountability and trust make inclusion durable, in every institution that serves. 🌈
#OutInNatSec #RubySachsForum
Proud to see @lfschleusener.bsky.social representing ONS at the Ruby Sachs Symposium today.
The panel on National Security and the Law explores how accountability strengthens service and trust and compares. 🌈
#OutInNatSec #RubySachsForum
The panel on National Security and the Law explores how accountability strengthens service and trust and compares. 🌈
#OutInNatSec #RubySachsForum
Today at the Ruby Sachs Symposium — joining the panel on National Security and the Law.
Accountability makes inclusion durable. 🌈
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
Accountability makes inclusion durable. 🌈
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
October 7, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Proud to see @lfschleusener.bsky.social representing ONS at the Ruby Sachs Symposium today.
The panel on National Security and the Law explores how accountability strengthens service and trust and compares. 🌈
#OutInNatSec #RubySachsForum
The panel on National Security and the Law explores how accountability strengthens service and trust and compares. 🌈
#OutInNatSec #RubySachsForum
Grateful for partnerships that turn dialogue into shared action.
Proud to be part of the conversations continuing here in Winnipeg. 🌈
#OutInNatSec #RubySachsForum
Proud to be part of the conversations continuing here in Winnipeg. 🌈
#OutInNatSec #RubySachsForum
Honored to spend time with friends and partners at the Ruby Sachs Symposium in Winnipeg.
The most meaningful work often happens between sessions — over dinner, in conversation, and through shared purpose. 🌈
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
The most meaningful work often happens between sessions — over dinner, in conversation, and through shared purpose. 🌈
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
October 7, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Grateful for partnerships that turn dialogue into shared action.
Proud to be part of the conversations continuing here in Winnipeg. 🌈
#OutInNatSec #RubySachsForum
Proud to be part of the conversations continuing here in Winnipeg. 🌈
#OutInNatSec #RubySachsForum
Day One of the Ruby Sachs Symposium is underway at the @humanrights.ca.
Proud to see @lfschleusener.bsky.social representing Out in National Security alongside global partners advancing justice, service, and equality.
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
Proud to see @lfschleusener.bsky.social representing Out in National Security alongside global partners advancing justice, service, and equality.
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
Day One of the Ruby Sachs Symposium at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Grateful to be here with friends and partners working for justice, service, and equality.
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
October 6, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Day One of the Ruby Sachs Symposium is underway at the @humanrights.ca.
Proud to see @lfschleusener.bsky.social representing Out in National Security alongside global partners advancing justice, service, and equality.
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
Proud to see @lfschleusener.bsky.social representing Out in National Security alongside global partners advancing justice, service, and equality.
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
Partners and allies from around the world are gathering at the Ruby Sachs Symposium to strengthen justice and equality in public service. Proud to see @lfschleusener.bsky.social representing ONS.
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
Arrived in Winnipeg for the Ruby Sachs Symposium at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Proud to stand with partners from around the world committed to service, justice, and equality.
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
October 5, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Partners and allies from around the world are gathering at the Ruby Sachs Symposium to strengthen justice and equality in public service. Proud to see @lfschleusener.bsky.social representing ONS.
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec
#RubySachsForum #OutInNatSec