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LGBT History Month

As we observe Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month, we can also reflect on the strides that have been made and the challenges ahead in the ongoing struggle to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) - the U.S. military's ban on open service for members based on sexual orientation.

LGBT History Month was first conceived in 1994 as a way to increase the appreciation of the LGBT community for its heritage while also raising awareness in mainstream society about the contributions of LGBT individuals to the common culture we all share. Since its inception, the Month has served as an opportunity for the community to develop a sense of pride in our rich history, while providing positive role models for youth. Similarly, it has promoted visibility in an inclusive way that highlights achievement, demonstrating that the diversity of the community enhances our common human bonds.

The history of gays and lesbians in the U.S. military is a major part of the evolving LGBT American experience. SLDN pays tribute to the brave service members who refused to serve in silence and to advocates who helped chart a new course in the fight for equality. SLDN proudly recognizes the achievements of Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer and Randy Shilts, who are two of this year's 31 icons named by the Equality Forum.

• In 1989 Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer broke new ground, challenging her discharge under the military's anti-gay regulation of exclusion. Six years later, Colonel Cammermeyer was reinstated to the Washington State National Guard as an openly lesbian officer after winning her case in federal court, setting a new precedent. In the years following Colonel Cammermeyer's victory, many other LGBT military personnel serve openly with the complete support of their commands and coworkers. To learn more about Colonel Cammermeyer's life and achievements, click here.

• Randy Shilts, who was the first openly gay journalist to cover LGBT issues in the American mainstream media, also played a major role in raising awareness about inequality for LGBT individuals in the military with his 1993 book, "Conduct Unbecoming: Gays and Lesbians in the U.S. Military: Vietnam to the Persian Gulf." As a result of this literary milestone, Shilts was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association.

Signed in 1993 by then-President Bill Clinton, DADT has resulted in the discharge of more than 12,500 military personnel and has wasted hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars. SLDN was founded the same year as a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services, watchdog and policy organization dedicated to ending discrimination against and harassment of military personnel affected by DADT. Although many obstacles remain and DADT continues to erode military readiness while denying everyday Americans the opportunity to serve the country they love, recent inroads have laid the foundation for ultimate repeal of this failed law.

• March 2, 2005: The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (MREA), which would repeal DADT, is introduced by Rep. Marty Meehan (D-MA) in the House of Representatives with more than 50 Congressional co-sponsors. The bill (HR 1246) received public support from 12 high-ranking retired military generals and admirals, who were the first among a growing chorus of top brass to call for the repeal of DADT. HR 1246 is now sponsored by Congressman Ellen Tauscher and has 143 Congressional co-sponsors.

• May 21, 2008: The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturns a district court decision in Witt v. United States Air Force, which challenged the constitutionality of DADT. The decision was the first time a federal appellate court ruled that the military must meet a higher standard when violating the right to privacy of service members based on sexual orientation. The case originated when Major Margaret Witt was discharged from the Air Force in 2003 after her commanders discovered she is a lesbian. The case has been remanded to the district court, where it is now awaiting further action.

• July 23, 2008: For the first time since Congress enacted "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in 1993, the Military Personnel Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing to examine the adverse impact of the law on national security, under the leadership of the Chairman, Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-CA). Witnesses included U.S. Army Major General Vance Coleman (Ret.), U.S. Navy Captain Joan E. Darrah (Ret.) and former Marine Staff Sgt. Eric F. Alva. SLDN played a role in organizing the written testimony of allied groups and coordinating with witnesses supporting repeal.

• August 2008: The Democratic National Convention calls for the repeal of DADT in their party's platform.

To view an historical timeline of events and decisions significant to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" for the first ten years from 1993 to 2003, click here.

10-10-08 By Adam Ebbin |