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DADT

The latest news about the effects of repealing the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Introduced by Bill Clinton as a comprimise measure that allowed gays and lesbians to serve in the militrary branches, DADT went into effect in 1994 and mandated that service members stay in the closet about their sexual orientation. Proponents cited to "unit cohesion," "high standards of morale," and "good order and discipline" as reasons for DADT's necessity. President Barack Obama ended the policy in 2011.

Gay Godfather David Mixner was both pro-sex and pro-equality

Reflecting on the legacy of the man who brought LGBTQ+ liberation to the White House.

Gay Democratic reps demand Pentagon resolve cases of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ dishonorable discharges

Lawmakers have pressed the Department of Defense in a new letter for faster action on injustices stemming from the DADT policy.

Democratic Lawmakers Reintroduce Landmark LGBTQ+ Military Equality Bill

Lawmakers have reintroduce a bill to create a commission to address historic anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.

Pentagon Says It'll Review Cases of LGBTQ+ Vets Who Were Denied Honorable Discharges: Report

The news marks a notable shift by the Department of Defense that has been a focus of some veterans’ advocacy efforts for decades.

Military Veterans Sue to Reclassify Sexuality-Based Discharge Records

The LGBTQ+ veterans demand access to the healthcare, financial and education resources an honorable discharge would have afforded them.

The Military Ignores Its History With Drag and Queer Vets

While the military forgets its drag show past, it's also denying reparations for those wrongly and adversely affected by “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

Fears About Ending DADT Greatly Exaggerated: Report

A recently unearthed Pentagon report shows that ending the discriminatory policy had no ill effects on the military and that fears about doing so were based on prejudice.

California Will Ease Benefit Process for Vets Discharged Under DADT

These vets are eligible to upgrade their discharge status to receive benefits, but many have found the process difficult. The new California program will help.

Many LGBTQ+ Vets Still Having Trouble Getting Benefits, Suit Says

Some are seeing barriers because of the type of discharge they received, even after the government announced a simplified process.

Mass. Senate Passes Bill Benefiting Victims of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

"For far too long, thousands of courageous individuals have been told that they are not worthy of the same benefits that their comrades and counterparts earned," Velis said.

I Will Not Be Silenced by the Army or My Alma Mater

This servicemember will not accept injustice, wherever it may occur.

Colin Powell Dies; Supporter, Then Critic of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

The military leader and former secretary of State also eventually endorsed marriage equality.

Former Defense Chief: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal Was Good for All

Ten years after the repeal, former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta reflects on its benefits to the armed forces.

Biden on DADT Repeal Anniversary: 'A Tremendous Weight Was Lifted'

The repeal, which took effect 10 years ago today, "helped move our nation closer to its foundational promise of equality, dignity, and opportunity for all," Biden said.

Exclusive: Sen. Chris Coons Reflects on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal

Coons, who championed repeal during his first month in office, discusses progress made and progress needed in a video for The Advocate.

Pelosi Marks 10 Years of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal

On the anniversary of the signing of repeal legislation, Pelosi urges passage of the Equality Act.

Joe Biden's LGBTQ+ Legacy, 10 Years After DADT Repeal

The former vice president was a large part of the intricate effort required to kill "don't ask, don't tell."

LGBTQ People Share Stories in Celebration of Veterans Day

Veterans share struggles from the DADT era and in today's fight for trans rights.

Rhode Island Will Restore Benefits for LGBTQ Veterans

Gov. Gina Raimondo signed legislation into law on Friday.

Politicians Roll Out New Legislation to Aid LGBTQ Veterans

Veterans Affairs policies are still trying to catch up to post-DADT world.