Don't Ask Don't Tell

National

Discharged over sexual orientation, military still owes thousands of vets

5:00am July 02, 2023

by Quil Lawrence

Twelve years after repeal of the ban on gay and lesbian troops serving openly, no one in the military or Veterans Administration knows how many vets are still without the benefits they're owed.

Queue Listen Now

A pamphlet from a Pride Month event at the Pentagon in 2015. Monday marked the 10th anniversary of the repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy in the U.S. military.

National
Politics & Government

LGBTQ Vets Discharged Under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Have New Chance For Full Benefits

7:09pm September 21, 2021

by Jonathan Franklin

The new guidance will apply to veterans who were forced from service under the policy and given "other than honorable discharges" due to their sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status.

In 1975, Leonard Matlovich appeared on the cover of Time to challenge the military ban on gay service members.

'A Perfect Soldier': Remembering A Warrior In The Battle Against Homophobia

5:21am October 30, 2015

by NPR Staff

When Leonard Matlovich showed up on Time with the headline, "I Am a Homosexual," it shocked many. The decorated Vietnam veteran spent the end of his life advocating against anti-gay discrimination.