LGBTQ Veterans Recognition Month
In 2014 Stonewall Columbus proclaimed November LGBTQ Veterans Recognition Month in appreciation of those in our LGBTQ community who have served so bravely and selflessly.
We believe this appreciation was long overdue.
For many years, our LGBTQ veterans were forced to live closeted lives in order 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, they have also risked much to push our country towards the promise of equality.
We think it vitally important that the stories of those who serve and have served are valued, respected and above all, heard.
The Donald R Hallman LGBTQ Veterans Recognition Awards
Stonewall annually recognizes veteran service members and or military spouses with the LGBTQ Veterans Recognition Award. In 2018 the LGBTQ Veterans Recognition program was renamed in honor of Donald R. Hallman – a 2015 recognition recipient.
2024 Stonewall Columbus “Donald R. Hallman LGBTQ+ Veterans Recognition”
Cindy Turvy
Rupert “Twink” Starr*
*Twink was a 2014 recipient who passed away on Nov. 5, 2024
Let us take a moment to recognize all of our past recipients:
- 2023 [video]
- Judy Cook
- Joseph Fridley
- Joelle Henneman
- Jamarr Ingram
- Marie Jackson
- Jacob Lowry
- Conrado “CJ” Martin
- Jonah Minot
- Michael Schmidt
- Chris Hoffman*
- 2022 [video]
- Jennifer Serene Henery
- Susanne South
- Joshua Jacob Hoffman
- Joseph Whitaker
- Jason T. Guthrie
- Joshua Snyder-Hill*
- 2021 [video]
- Angela F. Swain
- Brian Goodson
- Thomas White
- 2020
- All Veterans
- 2019 [video]
- Steven Krauss
- Mary McCullough
- Mark Cunningham
- Veronica Thompson*
- 2018 [video]
- Ralphaella Beal
- Brad Berberick*
- Travis Fister*
- Johnathan Gill
- Tammi Scott
- Stephen Snyder-Hill
- Dean Vickers
- 2017 [video]
- Tara McKenzie Allison
- L’Tanya Ceaser*
- Jody Davis
- Noel Fonseca*
- Robert Haas
- Joshua Kreais
- Brenda Crumley
- Russell “Russ” Goodwin
- Lindsay Roberts
- Trevor Sthultz
- Sandra Davis
- Brian Endicott
- Donald R. Hallman
- Todd Shinkle – In Memorium
- Kyle Davidson
- Fred T. Lee
- Laura Harper
- Rupert “Twink” Starr
*Denotes military spouse recipient
Thank you for your service!
Resource links:
- American Veterans for Equal Rights
- Transgender American Veterans Association
- US Department of Veteran Affairs
- LGBTQ Employment: https://www.diversity.va.gov/programs/lgbt.aspx
- Veterans with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) and Related Identities: https://www.patientcare.va.gov/LGBT/