Modern Military stands on more than 30 years of advocacy for LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and their families. Born from the legacy of SLDN, AMPA, OutServe, and MPFC—organizations that challenged Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and fought for equality—we carry their mission forward for all who serve and the families who serve beside them.

for over three decades, we have been your voice

defending a legacy

We provide the knowledge, resources, and guidance needed to understand rights, navigate the military system, and advocate effectively for equality and inclusion.

Education

We believe in the power of collective action. We connect, empower, and uplift service members, veterans, and families to raise their voices and drive change together.

Community

We fight relentlessly for LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and military families, using grassroots organizing and policy change to create meaningful impact.

Advocacy

Today, Modern Military is on the frontlines advocating for our LGBTQ+ and HIV+ military community. We fight for transgender service members to serve openly, challenge restrictions against those living with HIV, and protect LGBTQ+ families from discriminatory policies that threaten healthcare, parental rights, and their children’s ability to learn and thrive in safe, inclusive schools.

Our work combines legal advocacy, public policy engagement, and a growing grassroots movement, ensuring that the voices of service members, veterans, and families are heard and counted. The fight for equality is not behind us—it’s happening now, and Modern Military is leading the charge to solidify, expand, and defend progress that was hard won by our legacy organizations.

Creating A Stronger
Future Foundation

amplifying our voices

serving the LGBTQ+ military and veteran community for over 3 decades

For decades, LGBTQ+ military families have fought for the right to serve and be recognized. Our legacy organizations, SLDN, OutServe, and AMPA, were at the heart of that fight. From challenging the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and helping secure its repeal in 2010, to taking on the Defense of Marriage Act and securing rights for the HIV+ community, these organizations changed the course of history.

SLDN defended those forced to serve in silence, OutServe united LGBTQ+ troops around the world, and AMPA championed the military families long denied recognition and benefits. Together, their advocacy reshaped policy and reminded the nation that diversity and equality are a strength in our military community.

Understanding Our
Past & Evolving Work

A look at our history

Modern Military brought together four
organizations, building on decades of advocacy

learn more about Ashley

As an Air Force veteran and long-standing champion for LGBTQ+ military communities, Ashley brings a unique blend of lived experience and advocacy expertise to Modern Military. Her background includes roles in community programs, national policy work, and initiatives focused on expanding rights and improving support systems for service members, veterans, and their families.

Ashley Carothers

meet our executive director

Here at Modern Military, we couldn't do the work without you! We are always looking for highly skilled volunteers to add to our team! View volunteer opportunities.

Our Volunteers

Our board of directors is comprised of military connected individuals, both LGBTQ+ and allies, dedicated to the fight. Apply to be on our board of directors.

Our Board of Directors

We are who we serve! Our staff is made up of veterans, military and veteran spouses, and parents of LGBTQ+ kids. View our current staff openings.

Our Staff

We believe the best ideas come from lived experience. LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and their families navigate unique challenges, and their voices shape everything we do. From programs to policies, we prioritize inclusiveness of members of our community to make our work authentic, impactful, and truly reflective of those we serve.