 |
| Pentagon to Restore Honor for LGBTQ+ Veterans Discharged Under Past Military Policy |
The U.S. Department of Defense has initiated a comprehensive review of military discharge records for more than 800 service members who were forced out of the military under the now-defunct “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. This effort aims to rectify past injustices by upgrading these veterans’ discharge statuses to honorable, granting them access to key benefits and restoring their rightful place in military history.
 |
| Pentagon to Restore Honor for LGBTQ+ Veterans Discharged Under Past Military Policy |
A Step Toward Justice
The “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which was implemented in 1993, prohibited openly LGBTQ+ individuals from serving in the U.S. military. Under this rule, thousands of service members were dismissed, often receiving less than honorable discharges that stripped them of benefits such as healthcare, pensions, and access to the GI Bill. The policy was officially repealed in 2011, allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly. However, many who had been discharged under the rule were left with records that negatively impacted their lives long after leaving the military.
 |
| Pentagon to Restore Honor for LGBTQ+ Veterans Discharged Under Past Military Policy |
Restoring Rights and Benefits
The Pentagon’s latest move seeks to address this long-standing issue by systematically re-evaluating and upgrading the discharge records of affected veterans. By granting them honorable discharges, the Defense Department is ensuring they regain access to VA benefits, healthcare, and military honors that had been unjustly taken away.
“For too long, these service members were denied the recognition and rights they deserved,” a senior defense official stated. “This initiative is about righting a historical wrong and ensuring that every veteran who served honorably is treated with the respect and dignity they earned.”
 |
| Pentagon to Restore Honor for LGBTQ+ Veterans Discharged Under Past Military Policy |
Veteran Advocacy and Support
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and veteran organizations have long pushed for these corrections, arguing that the discriminatory policy caused lasting harm to many former service members. Some veterans faced employment challenges due to their discharge status, while others struggled with the emotional impact of being forced out of the military.
“This is a monumental step toward healing and justice,” said a spokesperson for the American Veterans for Equal Rights. “These brave men and women dedicated their lives to serving this country, and it’s only right that their records reflect their honorable service.”
A Larger Effort to Correct Military Records
The Pentagon’s initiative is part of a broader campaign to correct past administrative actions that unfairly impacted service members. Defense officials have also encouraged veterans who were discharged under similar outdated policies, such as those targeting transgender troops, to apply for a record review.
While this process is expected to take time, affected veterans are encouraged to contact the appropriate military boards to apply for a discharge upgrade if they have not yet been included in the automatic review.
 |
| Pentagon to Restore Honor for LGBTQ+ Veterans Discharged Under Past Military Policy |
Looking Ahead
As the U.S. military continues to evolve toward greater inclusivity, this move represents a significant acknowledgment of past mistakes. Many view it as a crucial step toward ensuring that all service members—regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity—receive the honor and recognition they deserve.
Veterans impacted by the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy can visit the Department of Defense’s official website or contact veteran assistance organizations for guidance on how to restore their discharge status and access the benefits they rightfully earned.
