Gay military magazine coming to US army bases

OutServe, a gay-themed military magazine, will be distributed on US Air Force and Army bases, beginning later this month.

A "Repeal Issue" of the magazine will go on sale September 20, the day Don't Ask, Don't Tell (which required gay members of the forces to keep quiet about their sexual orientation or face expulsion), is repealed, although the specific locations where it will be available have not yet been announced. The issue will include pictures and bios of about 100 members of OutServe, which is an association of more than 4,000 actively serving LGBT members of the US military. “This marks an incredible time in the history of our military," JD Smith, co-director of OutServe, who goes by a pseudonym while DADT is still in effect, said. "Gay, lesbian, and bisexual servicemembers once had to conceal their true identities. By featuring their pictures and their stories, we are signaling that time has passed. It is time for these military members to be honored for their extraordinary commitment and sacrifice in defense of our country." The magazine was launched in the spring and two issues have already been released. AFP reported that the US Army and Air Force Exchange Service, which oversees merchandise and restaurants permitted to operate on military bases, approved the distribution of the magazine on publication racks. The magazine has also launched an interactive website. OutServe also has a Facebook page.