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 retired service members and or military spouses with the LGBT Veterans Recognition Award. In 2018 the LGBTQ Veterans Recognition program was renamed in honor of Donald R. Hallman – a 2015 recognition recipient.

Last year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic and change in organizational leadership, we were unable to engage the process needed to support a full execution of the LGBT Veterans Recognition program. This year we return to accepting nominations for the LGBT Veterans Recognition Awards.

2021 Veterans Award Recipients
Angela F. Swain
Brian Goodson
Thomas White

Let us take a moment to recognize all of our past recipients:

2020
- All Veterans
2019 [video]
- Steven Krauss
- Mary McCullough
- Mark Cunningham
- Veronica Thompson*
2018 [video]
- Ralphaella Beal
- Brad Berberick*
- Johnathan Gill
- Travis Fister*
- Tammi Scott
- Dean Vickers
2017 [video]
- Tara McKenzie Allison
- L’Tanya Ceaser*
- Jody Davis
- Noel Fonseca*
- Robert Haas
- Joshua Kreais

2016

Brenda Crumley
Russell “Russ” Goodwin
Lindsay Roberts
Trevor Sthultz

2015

Sandra Davis
Brian Endicott
Donald R. Hallman
Todd Shinkle – In Memorium

2014

Kyle Davidson
Fred T. Lee
Laura Harper
Rupert “Twink” Starr

*Denotes military spouse recipient

Thank you for your service!

Click here to:

Past Awards Recognition Programming:

Resource links:

American Veterans for Equal Rights
- http://aver.us/
Transgender American Veterans Association
- http://transveteran.org/
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/

LGBTQ Veterans Recognition Month