The Pentagon is trying to right the wrongs of the discriminatory policy
The US Military has announced that it has restored the honour of over 800 LGBTQ veterans discharged under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
“Under President Biden’s leadership, the Department of Defense has taken extraordinary steps to redress the harms done by ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and other policies on these former service members,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin stated.
WHAT WAS DON’T ASK DON’T TELL
The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, enacted in 1994, allowed LGBTQ individuals to serve in silence. During its existence, approximately 13,500 military members were discharged, with 2,000 receiving less-than-honorable distinctions. “It’s really hard to truly wrap your head around the fear of living under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,'” reflected Gina Ortiz Jones, Under Secretary of the Air Force. “You can’t have those bonds when you can’t share your life or talk about your family with those you serve alongside.”
The upgrades from dishonourable to honourable discharges aim to atone for past discriminatory policies, also granting access to crucial veterans’ benefits such as healthcare and education. A defense official confirmed that veterans affected by this upgrade will receive information on obtaining their new discharge certificates.
“We will continue to honor the service and the sacrifice of all our troops—including the brave Americans who raised their hands to serve but were turned away because of whom they love,” Austin added. This restoration follows a year-long Pentagon review of military records for LGBTQ individuals who faced less-than-honorable discharges.
The policy was repealed on September 20, 2011, allowing service members discharged for their sexuality to re-enroll and ensuring future recruits could serve without fear of discrimination.