Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

The Defense Department is now retroactively awarding honorable discharges to approximately 800 service members who were affected by the controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The policy, instituted in 1993, allowed LGBTQ+ individuals to serve in the U.S. military so long as they did not openly disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity. It was repealed in 2011, but many service members who were discharged under less-than-honorable conditions have continued to face challenges in receiving veterans’ benefits.

The Pentagon’s decision comes after a comprehensive review launched last year, aimed at addressing the injustices faced. . .