Still Serving: ‘Surviving the Silence’ and LGBTQ Representation in the Military

[LoriDee]

Still Serving: 'Surviving the Silence' and LGBTQ Representation in the Military
Full Article
Ms. Magazine - CINDY L. ABEL
5/24/2024

Timeline of Changes in LGBTQ Military Policies:

1953: Executive order 10450 barred gays and lesbians (Truman)
1993: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" law, intended to allow closeted lesbians and gay men but over 14,000 members were discharged until the repeal (Clinton)
2011: Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" law (Obama)
2016: Executive order ends ban on openly-serving transgender troops (Obama)
2017: Executive order bans transgender soldiers (Trump)
2021: Executive order repeals ban on transgender soldiers (Biden)

As they considered the treatment of women and LGBTQ people in the military, Col. Thompson said matter-of-factly, "It's pretty much a reflection of how we're treated in civilian life. Regulations, like non-discrimination laws, are vital—that's where change starts. But while there are several openly lesbian or gay generals, the daily experience of a soldier is impacted by their commanding officer's attitude and the atmosphere they create. That's why many LGBTQ service members are still not out."

Brass interjected: "It's not exactly safe for women either!" citing the Pentagon report stating nearly 7 percent of female servicemembers report being sexually assaulted and 62 percent of women do not trust the military will protect their privacy.

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These are just some collected quotes from the article. The story is the story of a lesbian couple who served in the military and were instrumental in changing some military policies concerning LGBTQ+ service members. A good read. Highly recommended.

Read it here