Remember When: Don't Ask, Don't Tell was Repealed
Thirteen years ago this week, a monumental step was taken for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. President Barack Obama signed into law the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, officially ending the discriminatory policy that had forced gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members to serve in silence for 17 years.
The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, implemented in 1993, prohibited the military from inquiring about a service member's sexual orientation, but also required them to keep it hidden under threat of discharge. This policy created an atmosphere of fear and isolation for thousands of LGBTQ+ service members, forcing them to live a double life and denying them the same rights and recognition as their heterosexual counterparts.
The repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was a long and arduous journey. For years, LGBTQ+ advocates and allies fought tirelessly to end the discriminatory policy. They faced fierce opposition from conservative politicians and military leaders who argued that allowing gay and lesbian people to serve openly would harm unit cohesion and military readiness.
Despite the challenges, the repeal movement gained momentum in the early 2000s. Public opinion shifted in favor of allowing LGBTQ+ people to serve openly, and a growing number of military leaders began to speak out against "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." In 2010, the House of Representatives and the Senate passed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, and on December 22, President Obama signed the bill into law.
The repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was a landmark victory for the LGBTQ+ community. It marked a significant step towards equality and justice for all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation. Since the repeal, over 100,000 LGBTQ+ service members have served openly in the U.S. military, demonstrating that there is no incompatibility between serving one's country and being open about one's sexual orientation.
While the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was a major victory, there is still more work to be done to ensure full LGBTQ+ equality in the United States. We must continue to fight for policies that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination and ensure that they have equal opportunities in all aspects of life.
On this anniversary of the repeal, let us remember the courage and resilience of the LGBTQ+ service members who fought for the right to serve openly. Let us also recommit ourselves to the fight for equality and justice for all.
Photo credit: NBC News