With proactive discharge upgrades underway, LGBTQ+ veterans are finally regaining access to the benefits and recognition they deserve as the Pentagon takes responsibility for a painful chapter in military history.
In a major step toward accountability and equality, the Pentagon has launched a new initiative to review and upgrade the discharges of LGBTQ+ veterans forced out of service due to the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy. The policy, which barred LGBTQ+ personnel from openly serving from 1994 until its repeal in 2011, left a lasting impact on thousands of veterans who faced exclusion from critical benefits because their discharge status was deemed “less than honourable” for reasons tied solely to their identity. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks announced that the Defense Department would actively reach out to eligible veterans, aiming to eliminate the need for individual applications in many cases.
Restoring Dignity with Proactive Outreach
On the 12th anniversary of the DADT repeal, Hicks emphasized that this upgrade initiative is about “restoring dignity” to veterans affected by the policy. For many, this move will mean restored access to essential services and benefits, including healthcare, home loans, and educational support, which were previously denied due to the nature of their discharges. By proactively identifying and contacting eligible veterans, the Defense Department aims to reduce barriers, recognizing the administrative hurdles and the personal toll of revisiting past trauma1 2.
Since the repeal, nearly 80% of veterans who applied for discharge upgrades have been successful in gaining honorable status and access to benefits, according to the Pentagon’s internal reports. However, many veterans may still be unaware of this option, or they may have hesitated to apply due to the complexity of the process or concerns about respectful treatment. By partnering with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and using digital records from the National Archives, the Pentagon aims to make these reviews as seamless as possible.
The Long Journey to Policy Change
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have fought for years to secure recognition and reparations for veterans affected by DADT. These organizations, together with veteran service groups, were instrumental in pushing for the DoD’s proactive measures. Their efforts shed light on how discharge status has impacted veterans’ lives, ranging from denial of housing and education benefits to the stigma of a less-than-honourable discharge. The collaboration between these groups and the Pentagon underscores the growing acknowledgment within the military of the need for healing and accountability.
A New Era of Inclusion
This latest move comes as part of the Pentagon’s broader commitment to diversity and inclusion across all ranks. Hicks has spoken openly about the military’s dedication to fostering a culture where every qualified American is welcome to serve, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. She noted that inclusivity not only strengthens the military’s readiness but also aligns it with the values of a diverse society.
In her recent Pride Month address, Hicks remarked that the military is committed to being a “workplace of choice” for qualified Americans from all backgrounds. She emphasized that while policies like DADT may have once reflected a different era, the military today recognizes that embracing diversity is a key to excellence and innovation. For many LGBTQ+ veterans and current service members, the Pentagon’s willingness to right past wrongs is an encouraging sign of progress.
What’s Next for LGBTQ+ Veterans
The Pentagon’s discharge review process, conducted in partnership with the VA and National Archives, will prioritize privacy and dignity for affected veterans. Hicks encouraged all veterans who believe they may be eligible to seek out the resources provided, and for those with incomplete or unmarked records, the department’s new systematic approach aims to ensure that no one is left behind.3
While these efforts cannot fully compensate for the harm and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ veterans, they represent an essential step in the right direction. This initiative also offers a model for other institutions reckoning with their historical treatment of marginalized communities, illustrating how leadership can take meaningful steps to rebuild trust and support among those who have served honorably.
- https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3532368/dod-to-upgrade-discharges-from-dont-ask-dont-tell-policy/ ↩︎
- https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3798071/hicks-every-qualified-american-is-welcome-at-recruiting-stations/ ↩︎
- https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3055525/dod-pays-tribute-to-lgbtq-service-members/ ↩︎