Gays and lesbians discharged from military

Most found new communities of people and thrived despite the oppression. Discover the film Coming Out Under Fire that shares their story. The documentary, Coming Out Under Fire , gives voice to the experiences of thousands of gay and lesbian service members who joined the military during World War II, a story that is largely ignored by historians and museums across the country. However, it is important to place the film into its historical context. The intense nation-wide debate resulted in congressional hearings where each member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff voiced supportive opinions of the policy and a reassertion of the policy by President Clinton. This film can and should be seen as not only a social commentary against the policy, but also an expression of the human cost behind such discrimination.

Today, gay and transgender military service members enjoy far more rights than they did even five years ago—but the fight continues to increase visibility and acceptance for this group in the armed forces. Spring : Between April and July, a number of transgender service members—including Sgt. July : Secretary of Defense Carter issues a directive, which says that no service member can be discharged on the grounds of gender identity without approval from the Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. July : President Trump announces that "the United States Government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.

They lived shadow lives in the military, afraid that disclosure of their sexuality would ruin carefully plotted careers. Many were deeply humiliated by drawn-out investigations and unceremonious discharges. By some estimates, hundreds of gay men and lesbians among the more than 13, who were discharged under the policy have contacted recruiters or advocacy groups saying they want to re-enlist after the policy is repealed on Sept. Bleu Copas is one. He had been in the Army for just three years when someone sent an anonymous e-mail to his commanders telling them he was gay.

UK, remember your settings and improve government services. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. You can change your cookie settings at any time. This is an independent review into the service and experience of LGBT veterans who served between to