OS-SLDN to Close Office, Keep Embattled Board Chair

Bil Browning | Bilerico | July 1, 2013

Following news that OutServe-SLDN chapter leaders have mutinied over the organization’s board decision to force popular Executive Director Allyson Robinson to resign, a leaked document shows the board’s response to the uprising. Multiple calls with chapter leaders over the weekend also revealed even more startling details about the group’s future plans – including shuttering the organization’s office space and laying off the entire remaining staff.

A group of OS-SLDN chapter leaders issued a statement on the group’s Facebook page on Saturday. They also followed up the Facebook statement with a letter sent to the organization’s board of directors the same day. The letter was signed by almost two dozen chapter leaders – including the entire women’s caucus, transgender caucus, and the leaders of several overseas chapters.

The coalition demanded Seefried’s resignation as board co-chair originally but expanded their demands in the letter to include a completely new board of directors. Members have already handpicked a group of individuals that would step into the board roles in an attempt to salvage the floundering organization.

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Robinson to Resign: Is OutServe-SLDN Future in Jeopardy?

Bil Browning | Bilerico | June 24, 2013

OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson announced today in a posting on the group’s magazine website that she will resign her position in the near future.

“It is my intent to continue to lead OutServe-SLDN in the near term as we approach an historic moment for our community and our country,” she said. “After that, at a date to be determined, I have decided of my own accord to step down, and will work with our members to ensure an orderly transition to the next phase of this organization’s life.”

Sill in question though is what will happen to OutServe-SLDN’s funding? Will they remain a viable organization once the dust has settled?

The organization’s board met repeatedly in emergency session to try to come to a resolution on Robinson’s position within the group, but locked on a motion that removed board co-chair Josh Seefried from his leadership position for leading the sudden coup against Robinson. Seefried has refused to step down voluntarily. At least three board members and all of the senior staff, as well as some additional staffers and volunteers resigned in protest.

Now movement funders are starting to question not only the state of the organization, but whether OutServe-SLDN will be a recipient of future funding.

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