Service Members Legal Defense Network (SMLDN)

The Service Members Legal Defense Network (SMLDN) was an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members in the U.S. military during the 1990s and early 2000s. It aimed to combat the discriminatory policies of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," which barred openly gay individuals from serving and led to the discharge of many qualified personnel. SMLDN provided legal assistance, raised awareness, and lobbied for policy change to promote fair treatment and equal rights for service members regardless of sexual orientation. Its efforts contributed to the eventual repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in 2011.