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The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Veterans of America (GLBVA) have changed the organization's name. It will now be known as American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER). Thus, says its president, the membership hopes more fully to embrace all American veterans, no matter their sexual orientation or gender expression.

The National Transgender Advocacy Coalition (NTAC) has called the name change "a bold and positive move."

AVER President Jim Donovan

"As it was, our name (GLBVA) it was not inclusive of transgender/transexual, two-spirit and heterosexual members," said Jim Donovan, President of AVER. "We feel it was time to change our name to a fully inclusive name, which at the same time was not a cumbersome alphabet soup."

"The membership chose 'American Veterans for Equal Rights,'" finished Donovan, "as a descriptive, simple, yet fully inclusive name which leaves no question as to our goals and ideals."

"As a former member of GLBVA, I am beaming with pride to hear about this change," remarked Monica Helms, Chair of NTAC's Veteran's Affairs Committee. "Not only does the new name reflect the desire of their members to show full inclusion, but the willingness of the organization to work on a broader scope of issues. I plan on renewing my membership, and urge all transgender veterans to join AVER."

Robyn Walters, Vice-Chair of NTAC's VA Committee said:

"Changing from GLBVA to AVER brings more than a new name to this important veterans organization. The AVER constitution calls for recognition of the right to live free open lives within the American society, regardless of -- among other things -- gender, gender identification, or sexual orientation. This brings a new awareness to the AVER chapters and membership and to those with whom the organization interacts that transgender and intersex veterans deserve and demand the same rights as other Americans."

Janice Josephine Carney, life member of DAV, VFW, Transgender Veterans Liaison for New England GLBT Veterans and member of the NTAC VA Committee was quoted as saying:

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"I thank the membership of the GLBVA for taking this step of changing their name. I strongly feel it is a good start, in showing that transgender veterans are welcomed members."

NTAC members hope that this new direction will give them a chance to work with AVER. "Issues that face GLBT veterans and active duty service members are intertwined." says an NTAC spokesperson. "With AVER new direction and NTAC's VA Committee, we hope that we can work together for a better future for all those who serve or have served our country in the military."