Openly Gay Man Appointed as Chief of Staff for the Secretary of Defense

The nation's largest organization of LGBT military families applauds the appointment of Eric Fanning as the Secretary's Chief of Staff

WASHINGTON, DC - February 18, 2015- The American Military Partner Association (AMPA), the nation’s largest organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) military families, released the following statement today in response to Eric Fanning's appointment as the Chief of Staff for the Secretary of Defense.

"We are thrilled to see Fanning's appointment because of his experience first and foremost," said AMPA President Ashley Broadway-Mack. "Knowing that he's an openly gay man in such an important role is a milestone and a sign of how far we've come, especially when only a few years ago LGB service members could not serve openly."

AMPA is committed to addressing the unique challenges that remain for LGBT military families within the Department of Defense. Among these challenges include a need for non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation, and an end to the ban on service by transgender people - who are still prohibited from serving openly and honestly due to outdated regulations. An estimated 15,500 transgender service members currently serve in silence.

The American Military Partner Association, a non-profit and non-partisan organization, is the nation’s largest organization for the partners, spouses, families, and allies of America's LGBT service members and veterans. Based in Washington DC, AMPA is committed to education, advocacy, and support for our modern military families.”