Welcome to Episode 3 of Unequal Dialogues, part of the CDSN Podcast Network. In this episode, host Dr. Manaswini Ramkumar is joined by Lucas Schleusener to examine the intricacies and dynamics of civil-military relations. Lucas F. Schleusener is a writer, educator, and national security strategist whose work examines service, institutional trust, democratic legitimacy, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion in national security institutions. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Out in National Security (ONS), where he leads a global community of LGBTQIA+ national security and foreign policy professionals Under his leadership, ONS has grown into a national professional association and advocacy organization for LGBTQIA+ people working across defense, diplomacy, intelligence, foreign policy, and public service. Its work combines community-building, leadership development, policy advocacy, and public engagement, with a particular focus on strengthening the institutions in which LGBTQIA+ Americans serve. Schleusener has led ONS’s work on military and veterans policy, the legacy of the Lavender Scare, and the protection of LGBTQIA+ public servants facing renewed political and institutional pressure. Earlier in his career, Schleusener served as Speechwriter to three U.S. Secretaries of Defense, helping shape the Department’s message during a period of significant strategic and cultural change. He contributed to communications around the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the extension of full equity to lesbian, gay, and bisexual servicemembers, partners, and families, the Women in Service Review that opened all combat roles to women, and the end of the first ban on open transgender military service. He also served in the Obama White House, worked on the 2008 Obama presidential campaign, and began his career in the office of Senator Edward M. Kennedy. In 2026, Schleusener was selected as a 2026–2027 Obama Foundation USA Leader, joining a national cohort of leaders recognized for their commitment to advancing the common good.. His other honors include the Knights Out Leadership Award at West Point, the Award for Excellence from the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, and recognition on Washingtonian magazine’s “500 Most Influential People Shaping Policy” list in 2024, 2025, and 2026. A frequent speaker and commentator, Schleusener has written for Foreign Policy, Defense One, The Hill, Just Security, Law360, Inkstick, and the Canadian Journal of Human Rights. His media appearances include FedUpward, Press the Button, the Canadian Defence and Security Network’s Battle Rhythm, Gayish, This Queer Book Saved My Life!, The Gaily Show, and Queer News. He has presented at EuroPride 2025, the Canadian Defence and Security Network Summer Institute, and the 2025 Ruby Sachs Symposium on Global 2SLGBTQI+ Legal Advocacy at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. His writing and research focus on institutional trust, military service, democratic legitimacy, LGBTQIA+ citizenship, and the relationship between inclusion and national security effectiveness. Schleusener holds an M.A. in Middle East Studies from the University of Chicago and a B.A. in History and International Affairs from Wesleyan University. He has studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the American University in Cairo, is a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and previously served as Chairman of the Board of No One Left Behind Listen in as they explore critical issues influencing military and civilian engagements, analyze recent developments, and share insights from field experts. Whether you're a political science enthusiast, a defense professional, or simply intrigued by the topic, this episode provides valuable viewpoints. Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments below. Be sure to subscribe for more episodes! Unequal Dialogues is part of the Civil Military Relations Network and is funded by a SSHRC partnership Grant.
