(Photo Credits: Niyazz from Shutterstock)
In a landmark decision, the U.S. Department of Defense has agreed to consider upgrading the discharge statuses of LGBTQ veterans who were unfairly dismissed under outdated policies. This move comes as part of a settlement reached in response to a lawsuit filed by advocacy groups on behalf of LGBTQ veterans seeking justice and recognition for their service.
In a significant move toward rectifying past injustices, the U.S. Department of Defense has agreed to streamline the process for LGBTQ+ veterans seeking to upgrade their discharge statuses to honorable. This development follows a legal settlement aimed at addressing the discriminatory practices that led to the dismissal of service members based on their sexual orientation.
Historically, policies such as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), which was in effect from 1993 until its repeal in 2011, resulted in the discharge of approximately 14,000 service members due to their real or perceived sexual orientation. These discharges often carried designations less than honorable, thereby denying veterans access to essential benefits, including healthcare, education, and housing assistance.
Under the terms of the recent settlement, veterans whose discharge paperwork references their sexual orientation can now bypass the previously cumbersome legal procedures to have such references removed. Additionally, those who received less than honorable discharges will be eligible for an expedited review process to upgrade their discharge status. This initiative is expected to benefit thousands of veterans, restoring their access to the full spectrum of benefits afforded to those with honorable discharges.
Elizabeth Kristen, a senior staff attorney with Legal Aid at Work – the nonprofit organization that played a pivotal role in the suit’s filing, said in a statement, “This proposed settlement delivers long-overdue justice to LGBTQ+ veterans who served our country with honor but were stripped of the dignity and recognition they rightfully earned due to discriminatory discharge policies.” She added, “It marks a crucial step in addressing this deep-seated injustice and ensuring these veterans receive the acknowledgment and respect they have long been denied.”
This settlement builds upon previous efforts by the Pentagon to address the repercussions of discriminatory policies. In October 2024, the Department of Defense announced the upgrade of discharge statuses for over 800 veterans expelled under DADT to honorable discharges, reflecting a broader commitment to redress past wrongs.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Advocacy groups emphasize the importance of outreach to ensure that all affected veterans are aware of the new processes and can benefit from them. Additionally, there is a call for continued efforts to address the stigma and discrimination that LGBTQ+ service members have historically faced.
The settlement awaits approval from a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. If sanctioned, it will mark a pivotal step toward acknowledging and rectifying the injustices endured by LGBTQ+ veterans, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to honoring the service of all military personnel, irrespective of their sexual orientation. For more information, read here and here.
It took long enough to admit a clearly known mistake. BRAVO!
I want my mule and forty acres of land for a debt that have not been paid yet. I’m not holding my breath though, if you know what I mean brother. Glad our brave military soldiers are finally getting their due.
yo, neither the mule nor the forty acres are available in 2025. propaganda is readily available
Shaft got his caddy with those white walled tires and that antenna
It’s mystery why President Biden didn’t make this happen.