Photos show how being LGBTQ+ in the US military has changed

Talia LakritzJun 5, 2024, 20:24 IST

A US service member demonstrates against "don't ask, don't tell."TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images

The fight for LGBTQ+ equality in the military has spanned decades.
"Don't ask, don't tell" forced LGBTQ+ service members to remain closeted. It was repealed in 2010.

LGBTQ+ individuals in the US have fought for equality in all areas of their lives, including the opportunity to serve their country in the military.

Even though the "blue discharges" of World War II and the "don't ask, don't tell" policy of the 1990s are things of the past, LGBTQ+ service members still face hurdles despite the progress of the last few decades.

This Pride Month, here's a look back at how being LGBTQ+ in the US military has changed through the years.

During World War II, homosexuality was considered a mental illness that disqualified soldiers from serving in the US military.

Army and Marine recruitment during World War II.Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images

Sergeant Leonard Matlovich, who was discharged from the Air Force for being gay, appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1975 to share his story.

Sergeant Leonard Matlovich holds his honorable discharge papers at Langley Air Force Base in 1975.Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images

Gilbert Baker, a former Army medic, created the first rainbow flag in 1978.

Gilbert Baker.Jerry Telfer/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

Between 1980 and 1990, around 17,000 service members were discharged from the military due to their sexual orientation.

Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer was discharged after 23 years of service after revealing that she was a lesbian.Kim Komenich/Getty Images

In the 1990s, organizations like the Gay Veterans Association advocated for equality in the US military.

Gay veterans march past the White House.Mark Reinstein/Corbis via Getty Images

President Bill Clinton enacted the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy in 1993.

President Bill Clinton salutes sailors aboard the USS Eisenhower..Doug Mills/AP

"Don't ask, don't tell" remained controversial.

A crowd of gay rights activists demonstrates against "don't ask, don't tell."Mark Peterson/Corbis via Getty Images

In 2010, President Barack Obama signed legislation repealing "don't ask, don't tell."

President Barack Obama signs legislation repealing the "don't ask, don't tell" law against gay and lesbian service members serving openly in the military.Mark Wilson/Getty Images

The Department of Defense hosted its first Pride Month event in 2012.

A pamphlet at the Pentagon during a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month event.Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

In 2013, same-sex military spouses became eligible for benefits provided by the Department of Defense.

Casey (left) and Shannon McLaughlin, a married couple with their 2-year-old twins. Despite a career with the US military, Shannon's benefits did not extend to her spouse because of the Defense of Marriage Act.Dina Rudick/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Marriage equality became the law of the land in the US in 2015.

People celebrate in front of the Supreme Court after the ruling in favor of same-sex marriage.Mark Wilson/Getty Images

In 2016, the Pentagon announced it would no longer ban transgender individuals from serving openly in the military.

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announces an expanded policy of acceptance regarding transgender US military service members.Allison Shelley/Getty Images

In 2017, President Donald Trump surprised officials when he announced a ban on transgender people serving in the military, which then went into effect in 2019.

Transgender veterans lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

President Joe Biden overturned Trump's ban and appointed transgender military officer Rachel Levine as assistant health secretary in 2021.

Admiral Rachel Levine speaks at the Health and Human Services Humphrey Building.Mark Schiefelbein/AP

That same year, a Navy ship was named after the LGBTQ+ rights activist and politician Harvey Milk.

The USNS Harvey Milk.ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images

LGBTQ+ members of the US military still face discrimination despite enormous progress.

Members of the US military community at the Capital Pride Festival in Washington, DC.ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

Photos show the final cruise of the USS Leyte Gulf as the US Navy phases out its cruiser fleet

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