A Move Towards Acceptance and Equality in the Military
As we approach the anniversary of the Stonewall rebellion, a pivotal event in LGBTQ history, President Biden has made a crucial move in the quest for equal rights. He has pardoned potentially thousands of past service members who were convicted under an outdated military law. This law made sodomy a crime, which effectively served as a tool for punishing individuals for being openly gay.
The military, once a domain where same-sex relationships were a punishable crime, has come a long way over the years. Many people might not remember, or perhaps might not be old enough to recall, the deep-rooted discrimination that was legal just a short time ago.
From Closeted to Openly Serving – The Evolution of LGBTQ Rights in the Military
The military’s policy towards LGBTQ individuals has evolved significantly in the past few decades. Before 1993, being gay in the military was implicitly forbidden. The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was then introduced, which allowed gay individuals to serve, provided they chose not to disclose their sexuality.
In 2011, a significant change was made, with gay enlisted personnel and officers being allowed to openly serve. By 2013, the military had decriminalized sodomy.
Individual Stories Highlight the Struggles of Serving While Concealed
Let’s consider the poignant story of Army Col. Edward Thomas Ryan. Before his death, Ryan revealed in his obituary that he had spent his entire life as a gay man. He managed to keep his sexual orientation secret during his military service during and post the Vietnam War.
Such struggles are not unique to Ryan. For 70 years, many service members had to hide their true identities while serving their country. These stories serve as reminders of the serious issues faced by many military service members because of their sexual orientation.
Continual Strides Towards Equality – Beyond the Military
Progress hasn’t been limited to the military. In 2015, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage. By 2020, it was declared that discrimination based on sexual orientation was a federal offense.
However, gaps in equality persist. As of now, there’s no federal law explicitly protecting LGBTQ individuals’ rights to public facilities, and some states lack specific prohibitions on such discrimination.
Biden’s Pardon: More Than Symbolic
Biden’s action isn’t just a gesture. Convictions under the old statute would have triggered less-than-honorable discharges, robbing veterans of essential benefits like health care. It is deplorable that veterans would be denied benefits due to their inherent personal identity.
Previous presidents like Barack Obama and Donald Trump had the chance to pardon these military service members, but it’s better late than never. Biden’s actions have brought about important changes and are a momentous step forward in equality.
Implications of the Pardon on Current Armed Forces
The recent pardon allows service members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines to be open about their sexuality. It’s a leap forward for acceptance and equality. Through this action, America has shown considerable progress since the Stonewall rebellion, roughly five decades ago.
The moving words penned by Col. Ryan before his death underscore the importance of this pardon for many individuals. Now that society is more accepting, Ryan could finally rest in peace knowing his secret was out.
The Road to Equal Rights Continues
Despite recent advances, there is considerable work yet to be done in achieving absolute equality. Biden’s recent efforts are commendable, and they demonstrate the commitment to making continual progress. However, the journey to equality is far from over and requires consistent efforts from all of us. We’ve come a long way, but the path ahead needs constant diligence and a collective commitment towards acceptance and equality.
