Military Updates Service Records of Veterans Discharged Under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

Washington, D.C.—Today, the Department of Defense announced the completion of the proactive review of military discharges that occurred under the policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which had affected LGBTQ+ service members and their loved ones. This enables veterans and their dependent family members to access benefits that may have been previously barred from them due to the type of discharge they received.

“Today, the Department of Defense announced a big step in righting the wrong of the military practice known as ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ By proactively correcting the records of service members who had been unjustly separated from the military, thousands of heroes and their families can finally access the benefits they are due through the VA—and can do so before the end of the year,” said Brian K. Bond (he/him), CEO of PFLAG National.

“Fifteen years ago, I had the honor under President Obama to work on repeal of DADT, and through that process met incredibly patriotic and passionate service members who wanted to serve their county but who lived in fear of discharge and what that would do to them and their families,” Bond continued.  “Ensuring that so many of the thousands of patriots who heroically served our country gain the benefits they and their dependents earned is an important step in healing the self-inflicted wounds of DADT. Yet, there is still work to be done. Transgender and nonbinary military service members also deserve the dignity of serving openly, and to trust that the country they love and serve will honor their service. PFLAG continues to advocate for inclusive service of transgender and nonbinary people across our military, because those who fight to protect our freedom should themselves be free.”