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The settlement could impact over 35,000 veterans receiving less-than-honorable discharges under the military’s old "don’t’ ask, don’t tell" and earlier anti-LGBTQ+ policies.
Those kicked out under "don't ask, don't tell" or other discriminatory policies no longer have to apply to have their discharges upgraded.
Lawmakers have pressed the Department of Defense in a new letter for faster action on injustices stemming from the DADT policy.
The end of "don't ask, don't tell" and the lifting of the trans military ban haven't solved all problems for LGBTQ+ service members and vets, says the Center for American Progress.
“Today, I am righting a historic wrong by using my clemency authority to pardon many former service members who were convicted simply for being themselves,” Biden said.
The actress, activist, and founder took to social media to point out the ongoing damage the military policy still inflicts.
This came after a review of the discharge status for those who hadn't applied for an upgrade and may not have known they could apply.
Many vets received less-than-honorable discharges under the policy, affecting their eligibility for benefits. Rep. Seth Moulton unveils a plan to upgrade them.
Those who were kicked out under "don't ask, don't tell" have often lost benefits due to having less than honorable discharges.
Heath Phillips is one of few men to speak out about sexual assault in the military.
The wrongs committed by the Department of Defense against LGBTQ+ service members have yet to be fully addressed.
The news marks a notable shift by the Department of Defense that has been a focus of some veterans’ advocacy efforts for decades.
The bill, which must be reconciled with the Senate's version, also would make it easier for LGB veterans to upgrade their discharge status.
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.
The settlement will affect thousands who received less than honorable discharges or had documents saying they were kicked out because of their sexual orientation.
Some are seeing barriers because of the type of discharge they received, even after the government announced a simplified process.
The LGBTQ+ veterans demand access to the healthcare, financial and education resources an honorable discharge would have afforded them.
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.”
