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Out In National Security

@outinnationalsecurity.org
1.8K followers 1.3K following 623 posts

A non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering queer national security professionals. Apply TODAY for our Leadership Development Fellowship for young professionals: shorturl.at/F12TP Deadline: May 29 OutInNationalSecurity.org

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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 27/09/2026
AB 1775 is now law. In June, we stood together in San Diego around a simple principle: no veteran left behind. Now California is delivering, helping transgender veterans come home with support for housing, health care, employment, and the transition to civilian life.
Photo of June 5 press conference at the San Diego LGBT center in front of the LGBT veterans wall of honor, with Assemblymember Chris War, a white gay man with glasses, a blue shirt, and a gray blazer, speaking at a podium
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 24/09/2026
Fifteen years after the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” we can see a legacy that was harder to recognize in 2011. Repeal did more than allow LGBTQ Americans to serve openly. It created a generation of LGBTQ veterans carrying their service into civic life.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 24/09/2026
Huge congratulations to our CEO Luke Schleusener on joining the prestigious @obamafoundation Leaders Program! We are glad the rest of the cohort is about to learn what this community already knows. Official profile: www.obama.org/programs/lea...
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Reposted by Out In National Security
The Obama Foundation @obamafoundation.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Today we are welcoming 50 visionaries joining the Obama Foundation USA Leaders cohort this year—in government, business, and civil society—all with a shared commitment of creating positive, sustainable change in their communities, regions and around the world.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 23/09/2026
A bicameral resolution led by @merkley.senate.gov and @emilyrandallwa.bsky.social recognizes Sept. 20 as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day. Read more here: www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-rand...
merkley.senate.gov
Merkley, Randall Lead Bicameral Resolution to Honor America’s LGBTQ+ Veterans and Servicemembers - Merkley
Marking September 20th as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers & Veterans Day  Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Emily Randall (WA-06) introduced a resolut...
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 22/09/2026
For LGBTQ+ Veterans Day, ONS CEO Luke Schleusener joined @annadeshawn.bsky.social on Queer News alongside @spartapride.bsky.social ’s Nick Wright to talk about AB 1775 in California, growing efforts across the country, and how we can better support LGBTQ+ veterans. www.youtube.com/live/GAl7U0M...
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Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Veterans Day
YouTube video by Queer News
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 20/09/2026
We're looking forward to seeing folks this afternoon from 2:00-4:00 PM at the NY LGBT Community Center, in partnership with @equalitynewyork.bsky.social, @spartapride.bsky.social, @formergov.bsky.social, and many others!
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 20/09/2026
Fifteen years ago today, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ended. We usually remember repeal for what LGBTQ Americans gained: the ability to serve openly. But its legacy is also visible in what LGBTQ veterans can build after coming home.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 17/09/2026
The Constitution we mark today is both the work of 1787 and the work of Americans across more than 200 years. On Constitution Day, we wrote about public service, equal citizenship, and our common responsibility for what comes next. www.outinnationalsecurity.org/2026/09/17/o...
outinnationalsecurity.org
Our Common Responsibility: Constitution Day, 2026
On Constitution Day, we remember not only those who wrote the Constitution, but those who changed it, widened the meaning of citizenship, and carried its responsibilities forward.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 15/09/2026
Fifteen years after "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," there’s a lot worth remembering and more work ahead. This Sunday in NYC, ONS is bringing together LGBTQ veterans, allies, and partners to connect, reflect, and share resources.
“Event flyer for ‘Generations of Service,’ an LGBTQ+ Veterans Day gathering in New York City on Sunday, September 20, from 2–4 PM at The Center, 208 West 13th Street. The event features a panel discussion and resource fair bringing together LGBTQ+ veterans, allies, and community organizations. Logos for Out in National Security and partner organizations appear along the bottom.”
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 09/09/2026
Fifteen years after the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” LGBT veterans are speaking openly in the civic spaces where communities decide whom they remember and what they owe. Our new essay for LGBT Veterans Day 2026: We Gather Together: www.outinnationalsecurity.org/2026/09/09/w...
A black-and-white photo of a multiracial crowd with one member waving an American Flag.

V-J Day Crowd by Liggett's Drug Store, Times Square, 1945. Getty.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 08/09/2026
We’re kicking off the fall with an Out in National Security Welcome Back Happy Hour tomorrow! 🍻 Come reconnect with friends, meet some new people, and bring someone who should know the ONS community. Everyone’s welcome! RSVP here and we'll see you here. partiful.com/e/rmzG0YDTdg...
partiful.com
RSVP to Welcome Back Happy Hour | Partiful
Fall fills up fast: back-to-school season, legislative calendars, travel, work deadlines, and everything else that seems to restart at once. Before the end-of-year sprint begins, join ONS, PFS, and o...
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 07/09/2026
On Labor Day, we looked at a part of LGBTQ history that is also national security history: what happened when queer employees found one another, compared experiences, and organized inside the institutions they served. www.outinnationalsecurity.org/2026/09/07/w...
High Tech Gays at a California Pride Festival, late 1980s.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 31/08/2026
CEO Lucas Schleusener joined Alaska Rep. @andrewgrayak.bsky.social on the East Anchorage Book Club to talk about the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the history behind LGBTQ Veterans Day, and what it means to ensure LGBTQ Americans can serve their country Listen: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
podcasts.apple.com
Lucas Schleusener: CEO of Out in National Security (ONS) on establishing LGBTQ Veterans Day in Anchorage
Podcast Episode · East Anchorage Book Club with Andrew Gray · August 31 · 46m
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 31/08/2026
Specialized care coordination is infrastructure. Reps. @sethmoulton.bsky.social and @houlahan.house.gov are pressing VA to restore dedicated LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators and the support behind them. Worth reading @airforcetimes.bsky.social: www.airforcetimes.com/veterans/202...
airforcetimes.com
Lawmakers demand VA bring back LGBTQ+ care coordinators
Lawmakers are calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs to bring back dedicated LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 31/08/2026
The Pentagon says recruiting is hard, retention matters, and trained personnel are expensive to replace. So what readiness gain comes from accelerating the discharge of transgender servicemembers already trained and serving? Our new analysis www.outinnationalsecurity.org/2026/08/31/t...
Graphic reading "Qualified to Serve, Rushed Out"
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 27/08/2026
DoD says unwanted sexual contact fell in FY25. But the public can no longer tell whether LGBTQIA+ servicemembers shared in that progress. That’s the transparency gap we’re flagging today: www.outinnationalsecurity.org/2026/08/27/d...
Image with ONS logo and text reading "Policy Analysis LGBTQIA+ servicemembers Out of View" and the subhead "DoD's FYT25 sexual assault report no longer provides comparable pbulic data on sexual and gender minorities." 

"August 27, 2026 I Out in National Security"
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 18/08/2026
The CIA trained @juliacurlee.bsky.social, a 2026 ONS Fellow, to tell hard truths. Then it taught her to become invisible. When public servants must choose between integrity, family, and service, institutions lose the expertise the nation’s security depends on. Read her essay in @theatlantic.com
"The Wrong Kind of American"

"I'd weighed my family's health insurance against two sentences of solidarity and chosen to surrender my integrity.

The agency that had taught me to tell hard truths was now teaching me to be invisible. 

It was time to go."

Julia Curlee
2026 ONS Fellow
"The Wrong Kind of American" I "The Atlantic"
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 12/08/2026
Our co-founder Luke Schleusener joined Anna DeShawn on Queer News to talk about the NDAA and how ONS and our partners are fighting back against the Trump Administration on behalf of LGBTQIA+ servicemembers and our community. Listen to the full episode here: shorturl.at/wpDBj
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 07/08/2026
On Purple Heart Day, we honor the servicemembers wounded in defense of our country, including LGBTQIA+ veterans whose courage and sacrifice have too often gone unrecognized. Their service is part of our national story. We remain committed to honoring the contract our country made with them.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 07/08/2026
LT Jezel Huston reflected on the 236th birthday of the Coast Guard this week, a service that is "people forward" with a long history of attracting diverse talent including from the LGBTQIA+ community. Jezel is also the Chief of Staff for ONS. The Coast Guard traces its founding to Aug. 4, 1790
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 30/07/2026
LGBTQIA+ veterans are still eligible for VA care. But the system built to help them use it is being taken apart. New ONS analysis on what the record actually shows and what to do next. 🧵 1/5
outinnationalsecurity.org
The Future of LGBTQIA+ Health Care at the Department of Veterans Affairs
Merging activism and education in the LGBTQIA+ security professional space.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 23/07/2026
The House rejected an effort to write the trans military ban into law, while adopting provisions affecting TRICARE and DoD schools. Our new brief explains what passed, what failed, and what comes next. www.outinnationalsecurity.org/2026/07/23/t...
Title card for blogpost about the NDAA, showing the US Capitol at night
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 22/07/2026
We're following today's developments in the litigation challenging the transgender military ban. We'll continue tracking the implications for military readiness, personnel policy, and Congress.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 30/06/2026
The House Rules Committee has taken an important procedural step on the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Several amendments affecting LGBTQ servicemembers, military families, and Department of Defense schools are now positioned for House floor consideration. A thread. 🧵
An Image of the US Capital at Dusk with an branded overlay regarding this year's NDAA
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 26/06/2026
ONS Contributor Major General Tammy Smith (Ret.) reflects on the 251st birthday of the U.S. Army and her 35 years of service: "The security of our nation should always be a higher priority than the insecurity of our prejudices"
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 24/06/2026
Our CEO Luke quoted in a great @slate.com piece on the team building tradition of the Herndon Climb for cadets of the U.S. Naval Academy. slate.com/news-and-pol...
slate.com
It’s the Oddest, Dirtiest Military Tradition. Pete Hegseth Would Hate It. It’s Perfect.
Miraculously, it hasn’t been canceled or banned or removed for being “too woke.”
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 10/06/2026
REMINDER: Come to the FIRST ONS Pride event in NYC! Have a cocktail, meet new friends in the public service sector, and learn about ONS's exciting work in NYC and Albany. Guests and allies are welcome! Tomorrow, Thursday, Jun 11 6:00pm – 9:00pm RSVP for full location: partiful.com/e/Z8Tel7Y80S...
partiful.com
RSVP to Good Work and Good Company - Pride 2026 | Partiful
Come as you are to the FIRST ONS Pride event in New York City! Enjoy drinks and a festive atmosphere, meet new friends in the public service sector, and learn about the work ONS has been doing in NYC ...
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 05/06/2026
Proud to join @asmchrisward.bsky.social in support of CA Assembly Bill 1775. This bold legislation supports service members and veterans impacted by President Trump’s policy banning transgender individuals from military service. California is stepping up!
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 29/05/2026
Get your applications in today by midnight! Encourage rising stars in your network to apply for ONS's flagship leadership development programs. Link below.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 25/05/2026
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die" - Thomas Campbell
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 22/05/2026
Our Co-Founder Luke and Linda Thomas Greenfield, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, at the recent @fp4america.bsky.social Leadership Summit in DC. The United States has both a moral and strategic imperative to fight for equality globally, and we look forward to continuing that fight.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 06/05/2026
Out in National Security is proud to share that our CEO and cofounder, @lfschleusener.bsky.social, has again been recognized by @washingtonian.com, among the people shaping national security policy in Washington. washingtonian.com/2026/05/05/w...
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 27/04/2026
ONS is inviting YOU or any rising stars in your network to apply to our flagship leadership development program! Fellows will: -Refine their career development skills -Enhance their personal branding -Expand their personal & professional networks Applications are open through May 29. Link below.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 23/04/2026
A great opportunity for our academically inclined followers bsky.app/profile/robe...
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 22/04/2026
Join ONS this Saturday for our spring fundraiser in DC to launch the NEW Equal Service Working Group. You'll here from former USAF Secretary Frank Kendall and other NatSec leaders in an private, relaxed setting. Link in bio and below. We hope to see you there! partiful.com/e/EGkLVOKron...
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 21/04/2026
Our Cofounder Shawn Skelly on the Iran War during a recent episode of The Gaily Show: "This is a major combat operation that's eating up America's ability to defend itself, and it has not been fully explained to the American people. That's an absolute historic tragedy" shorturl.at/qz9ON
shorturl.at
On The Precipice: Trump's Iran War
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 16/04/2026
REMINDER - Join us TONIGHT in Hell’s Kitchen for “Good Work and Good Company", our 2nd NYC social & professional event. Come ready to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones. Bring your ideas on how ONS can help you, or how you can help ONS. Location: The Dickens - 783 8th Ave, New York, NY
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 15/04/2026
On April 25, we're hosting our spring fundraiser in DC to launch the NEW Equal Service Working Group. You'll here from former USAF Secretary Frank Kendall and other NatSec leaders. We hope you'll join us! Address and details provided after RSVP, please email development@outinnationalsecurity.org
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 31/03/2026
On International Trans Day of Visibility, we encourage everyone who stands for equality to do what you can to raise awareness. That could be mentioning Trans Day of Visibility to your friends or family, like and share this post, or getting in touch with ONS to learn how you can be more involved.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 24/03/2026
Have plans yet for Thursday happy hour? Join your fellow NatSec nerds to hear from Georgetown Prof. Abe Newman on how "New Royalism" helps explain this wild modern era. RSVP: rb.gy/fy7klv Kiki - 915 U St NW, Washington, DC 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
rb.gy
ONS Conversations: Abe Newman on the New Royalism | Partiful
Join Out in National Security for a conversation with Professor Abe Newman of Georgetown University on his recent work on the “new royalism." Their argument is that global politics is shifting away f...
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 19/03/2026
Please join ONS next Thursday, March 26 for an informal and lively discussion over drinks with Professor Abe Newman on the future of global politics as the era of “Neo-Royalism." Kiki - 915 U St NW, Washington, DC 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. RSVP Here: rb.gy/fy7klv
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 02/03/2026
ONS invites you TOMORROW (3/3/26) for a relaxed, gender-inclusive happy hour celebrating Women's History Month at Her Diner, co-hosted with GATT DC & WIIT. All are welcome, feel free to bring a colleague or friend. Cheers and see you there! 📍 Her Diner, Washington, DC 📅 March 3 | 5:30–7:30 PM
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 26/02/2026
Veterans spoke up. Lawmakers engaged. The department adjusted course. Disability compensation is not abstract. It affects housing stability, family finances, and long-term care. Process and accountability matter.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 24/02/2026
More than 18,500 veterans have raised concerns about a proposed VA rule that would base disability compensation on how a condition responds to medication, rather than on the underlying injury or illness itself. That is not a small signal.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 24/02/2026
A federal appeals court has upheld the military’s ban on enlistment for individuals living with HIV. This shifts the legal posture. It does not resolve the force design questions at stake.
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 17/02/2026
Friendly Reminder: We're looking forward to seeing everyone tonight for happy hour at Her Diner in AdMo! And it's not too late to RSVP 🥂
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 13/02/2026
For folks in DC, ONS warmly invites you to a casual happy hour next Tuesday (2/17) to connect with fellow development & humanitarian professionals. Allies and friends are welcome. First round on us! RSVP: shorturl.at/hYKSQ
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 12/02/2026
@lfschleusener.bsky.social talks to Love Rutledge of the Fed Upward pod about how ONS supports LGBTQIA+ federal workers with programing and community, especially those being targeted by the administration. It's a great conversation (in under 10 minutes!) which you can find here: shorturl.at/X4LlS
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Out In National Security @outinnationalsecurity.org · 10/02/2026
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
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