Lucas Schleusener: CEO of Out in National Security (ONS) on establishing LGBTQ Veterans Day in Anchorage

Send us Fan MailLucas F. Schleusener is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Out in National Security (ONS). Lucas is a writer, educator, and national security strategist whose work examines service, institutional trust, democratic legitimacy, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion in national security institutions. He is a former speech writer for Secretaries of Defense Leon Panetta, Chuck Hagel, and Ashton Carter. ONS unites a global community to advance LGBTQIA+ inclusion across defense, diplomacy, intelligence, and foreign policy.At the Anchorage Assembly's September 1 meeting, September 20th will be declared LGBTQ Veterans Day as that date this year marks the 15th anniversary of the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell;" the repeal of that 1993 policy allowed for LGB folks to openly serve in the military. During today's conversation, you will hear the name, "Obergefell." This refers to the landmark 2015 US Supreme Court decision, Obergefell v Hodges, that legalized same sex marriage across the country and in the military. The lead plaintiff in that case, Jim Obergefell, is a previous guest on this podcast.   Read a history of LGBTQ service in the CIA, here. Listen to my previous episode with Alaska attorney & LGBTQ rights advocate Cate Shortell, here.