LGBT Veterans Recognition Month

LGBT 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 LGBT 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 LGBT Veterans Recognition Awards

Stonewall has annually recognized retired service members with the LGBT Veterans Recognition Award. In 2018 the LGBT 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.

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

• 2020
  • All Veterans
• 2019 [video]
  • Steven Krauss
  • Mary McCullough
  • Mark Cunningham
• 2018 [video] 
  • Ralphaella Beal
  • Brad Berberick
  • Johnathan Gill
  • Travis Fister
  • Tammi Scott
  • Dean Vickers
• 2017 [video]
  • Tara McKenzie Allison
  • Jody Davis
  • 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

Thank you for your service!

 

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/