Stonewall Columbus is proud to proclaim November as our annual “LGBTQ Veterans Recognition Month”
For many years, our LGBTQ veterans were forced to live closeted lives to serve their country. Often, they were dishonorably forced out of the Military because of who they loved or simply because of who they were. Not only have our LGBTQ veterans historically served at home and abroad in many eras and conflicts, but they have also risked much to push our country towards the promise of equality, tolerance, and, most recently, the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. We think it vitally important that the stories of those who served are valued, respected, and, above all, heard.
Stonewall Columbus celebrates our selfless veterans, as well as military spouses. The Military spouse is an integral part of the modern Military, whether the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, or Coast Guard. The Military spouse allows the service member to deploy to duty around the world without worrying about who is going to keep the home fires burning or who will pay the bills or who will maintain the house or who will raise the kids.
In the past, prior to the Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the partners of LGBTQ Service Personnel were not kept informed when troops and sailors deployed to areas away from their home base. They lived in darkness hoping that someone would let them know if something happened to their loved one. Without marriage, they were cast adrift, with no access to bases or vital information on what was happening to their deployed partner.
