Gay Troops Plan Vegas Invasion

Gay service members are hoping to converge in Las Vegas this October to mark the end of "don't ask, don't tell" and to discuss moving forward after the ban on gays serving openly in the military is repealed as planned.

Members of OutServe, a group of more than 3,000 gay troops and veterans, announced plans Wednesday for the Armed Forces Leadership Summit to "help better create an environment of respect in the military with regards to sexual orientation and gender identity."

"Building an environment of mutual respect is ingrained in our military values, and as active-duty soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who happen to be gay, that's what we are working toward," Outserve codirector J.D. Smith said in a statement.

Attendees will discuss diversity research in the military, and resources for military partners and families.

"As Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden have shown us through their 'Joining Forces' project, supporting military families is supporting the military," Smith said. "Providing resources to LGBT military partners and families is a priority for us since the military is currently prohibited from giving any spousal benefits to them."

The major sponsors of the summit include the Human Rights Campaign, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Amazon, Courage Campaign, the Log Cabin Republicans.