2018 San Diego Pride Parade. (Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Burgains, U.S. Navy)

Every year in June, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies join together to celebrate Pride Month, which marks a significant milestone in the ongoing fight for equality. Pride Month holds special meaning for Veterans and Service Members who identify as LGBTQ+, as many have faced challenges and discrimination throughout their military careers.

As we celebrate Pride Month, it is important to recognize and address the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ+ Veterans and Service Members. Providing inclusive care, collecting accurate data, and rectifying past injustices are essential steps toward achieving equality and ensuring that all Veterans receive the support and benefits they deserve. The struggle continues, and it is vital for lawmakers, organizations, and society as a whole to stand together in support of LGBTQ+ Veterans and Service Members.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs faces challenges in assessing the health outcomes of LGBTQ+ Veterans due to inconsistent data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity. The VA’s efforts to improve data collection have been inconsistent, with the majority of Veterans’ records lacking this essential information. The White House has vowed to reevaluate the process for upgrading less-than-honorable discharges received by LGBTQ+ Veterans affected by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” or DADT, policy implemented during the Clinton administration allowed some Service Members who were part of the LGBTQ+ community to serve, but prohibited them from openly disclosing their sexual orientation. Still, over 13,000 lesbian, gay, and bisexual Service Members were discharged under DADT, and now face limited access to healthcare, benefits, and increased risks of unemployment, homelessness, and mental health issues compared to Veterans who identify as straight.

In a message honoring Pride Month, President Joe Biden acknowledged the strides made in the fight for justice, inclusion, and equality. He also acknowledged the ongoing challenges and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and called for continued support, equality, and protection for LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States.

The American Legion passed Resolution No.10 advocating for better healthcare environments and urging Congress to pass legislation that addresses the barriers faced by LGBTQ+ Service Members.

Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ Service Members and Veterans. Takano has consistently advocated for inclusive care within the VA and equitable treatment for all Veterans. Legislators such as former Rep. Kaialiʻi Kahele introduced a bill in 2021 to establish a Center for LGBTQ Veterans, aiming to improve care and services for the LGBTQ+ community, but the bill died in Congress due to lack of support.

Acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community has come a long way since the pivotal Stonewall Uprising in 1969, which ignited the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States. The raid on the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City, sparked six days of protests, leading to increased visibility and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues.

Despite progress, there is still much work to be done to support LGBTQ+ Veterans and Service Members.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.