30 Days of Pride!

June 10: Tracey Cooper-Harris

Tracey Cooper-Harris has bravely refused to allow anyone to silence her voice.  Tracey served 12 years in the Army receiving more than two dozen medals and commendations.   Tracey left military service at the rank of Sergeant. She publicly supported repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” choosing to share her personal struggles, serving in silence, as part of SLDN’s “Stories from the Frontlines” campaign.  Tracey and her wife Maggie were legally married in the state of California in 2008.  Two years later Tracey was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.  As a veteran Tracey receives disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, however, Tracey and Maggie’s request for benefits as a married couple have been denied.   Tracey and Maggie chose to fight for recognition of their marriage, filing a lawsuit with the Southern Poverty Law Center against the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Their bravery and determination in choosing to fight for federal recognition of their marriage has advanced the cause of full military equality.

To learn more about Tracey, her wife Maggie and their case click here.