820 LGBT Veterans Rehabilitated After Their Discharge

On Tuesday, October 15, the Pentagon announced that more than 800 former military personnel, who had been forced to leave the U.S. military due to their sexual orientation, will be rehabilitated. In total, around 820 veterans will benefit from this measure aimed at correcting the injustices caused by the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which was in effect from 1994 to 2011.

A Major Impact on LGBT Veterans

This policy, implemented during the Clinton administration, led to the expulsion of approximately 13,500 gay, lesbian, and bisexual military personnel from the ranks of the military, according to U.S. Department of Defense records. These veterans were deprived of rights and benefits reserved for veterans, such as educational assistance, healthcare, and financial support. The announced rehabilitation will allow those who were excluded to finally access these services.

Read also : Biden Grants Presidential Pardon to Former Military Personnel Convicted for Homosexuality

Measures to Correct Past Mistakes

Last June, President Joe Biden had already taken steps by pardoning military personnel convicted of homosexuality. Additionally, for over a year, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had tasked the military with reviewing the records of former service members to correct the injustices that had been committed.

A Tribute to the Wronged Veterans

In his statement, Lloyd Austin expressed his respect for “the service and sacrifice of all our soldiers, including those who were unjustly excluded due to their sexual orientation.” The Pentagon also encouraged veterans who believe they have suffered an injustice to request a review of their military records. Austin noted that the majority of those affected by the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy have now been rehabilitated.