Gay active servicemembers convention set for WDW

[mikelan6]

This was just reported in the Orlando Sentinel:

A national convention of gay military personnel on active duty will be held at an Army-operated resort on Walt Disney World property next fall.

Convention organizers will announce Thursday that the Army-operated resort, Shades of Green, will host hundreds of gay and lesbian sailors, soldiers, Marines and airmen for the second annual Outserve International Leadership Conference in October.

Shades of Green is located on Walt Disney World property near Orlando, but it is owned and operated by the Army.

Convention organizer Joshua Seefried says it's a big step for the Army to allow the conference to be held at the resort, given that it will be just more than a year since end of the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell policy.

 

[daannzzz]

Wow. That's terrific. It is all moving so fast.

 

[DVCDan36]

I read this today and am glad they are being inclusive and offering a wonderful opporunity. Wish this was available when I was a soldier. I was sadden by the stupid responses from posters. But I guess that should not be a surprise. I only hope inclussion becomes the norm and not just required.

 

[CamoMama]

That's awesome! I would love to attend, but am neither active duty any longer nor gay, so I probably wouldn't fit in too well. I'm thrilled that the military is finally getting rid of the antiquated and ridiculous rules.

 

[Southern Voice]

1

 

[PHILCT]

I think this is so cool, and I admire them for inviting them to Shades of Green.

It is so nice for this to happen so soon after the repeal of DADT.

I didn't serve in the military, but I admire those who do, and did in the past.

I hope Disney throws them some extra pixie dust their way, and makes it a very special event for them this October.

----

Now if we can only get DOMA repealed next.

Phil

 

[Chris2597]

That's awesome! I would love to attend, but am neither active duty any longer nor gay, so I probably wouldn't fit in too well. I'm thrilled that the military is finally getting rid of the antiquated and ridiculous rules.

I actually think you are eligible for staying at the SOG in Sept and I believe in January as prior military. As long as you are honorably discharged. You can check the SOG website.

 

[DVCDan36]

I actually think you are eligible for staying at the SOG in Sept and I believe in January as prior military. As long as you are honorably discharged. You can check the SOG website.

Unfortunately, eligibility is limited for SOG, Active Duty, Retirees, eligible Family Members, and sometimes Governement Employees (based on availablility). If CammoMamma does not fall into these cats, she would not be able to stay. Though I have heard in the past of some people obtaining the service through friends/family.

 

[Chris2597]

Unfortunately, eligibility is limited for SOG, Active Duty, Retirees, eligible Family Members, and sometimes Governement Employees (based on availablility). If CammoMamma does not fall into these cats, she would not be able to stay. Though I have heard in the past of some people obtaining the service through friends/family.

I noticed a special on the home page of SOG that stated during January and Sept they were offering the resort to honorably discharged vets.It is called "Salute to our Veterans".

 

[OKW Lover]

I noticed a special on the home page of SOG that stated during January and Sept they were offering the resort to honorably discharged vets.It is called "Salute to our Veterans".

They may need to update their home page - the deal seems to have been for September 2011 and January 2012 when you actually click on the link even though the banner says September 2012.

 

[DVCDan36]

I noticed a special on the home page of SOG that stated during January and Sept they were offering the resort to honorably discharged vets.It is called "Salute to our Veterans".

That is news to me and interesting since the SOG is an MWR program/NAF run facility that is entirely for the use of the Military and some DOD employees. Though I suppose I am not as up to date on the regulations since I have left military law.

 

[Chris2597]

The Salute to Vets is on a very limited basis. I didnt notice that it was from 2011.
SOG offers the same benefits to DOD. The rate is based on grade and is a bit higher than active/retired military.