The Lingering Battle for Equality: LGBTQ Veterans Struggle for Full Benefits Decades After Military Discharges
In the small town of Hubbardston, Massachusetts, the echoes of discriminatory policies still resonate for former Navy sailor Annie Reyes. The stark words on her discharge papers, citing "homosexual conduct" as the reason for her dismissal in 2009 from the USS Bataan under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, continue to sting. Recounting the experience during her deployment in Bahrain, Reyes, now 40, shares, "We were in Bahrain in the middle of the ocean, and they're like, 'This is the perfect time to kick someone out for being gay.'
More than a decade after Congress lifted the ban on gay service members, Reyes and thousands of LGBTQ veterans face an ongoing battle to reclaim their dignity and secure full access to veteran benefits denied to them due to less-than-honorable discharges. Despite the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, a significant number of LGBTQ veterans, estimated at 100,000 since World War II, still grapple with the consequences of their sexual orientation being cited as grounds for dismissal.
Reyes, a former electrician's mate and a married mother of two, underscores the lasting impact, stating, "Even right now, I don't qualify to get my full benefits because I didn't get a chance to serve the four years. There are so many people that this happened to that it's ridiculous.
While some received honorable discharges, opening the door to a full range of veterans' benefits, many LGBTQ veterans received a lesser designation, carrying the added stigma of their sexual orientation being documented as the reason for their removal.
Dana Montalto, an attorney and instructor at the Veterans Legal Clinic at Harvard Law School, emphasizes the work that still needs to be done despite the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. She notes, "It was a really significant victory to have Don't Ask, Don't Tell finally repealed, but that wasn't the end of the story. There's so much work that needs to be done.
The battle for equality extends beyond federal benefits, with states also playing a role in extending financial and educational perks for military service. However, eligibility for these benefits hinges on a veteran's official discharge status recorded by the Pentagon. Montalto underscores the urgency, stating, "It is lifesaving for veterans to have access to some of these programs, especially those who have experienced harm during their service, and to deny them access to these benefits, that's a huge problem and something that we really need to fix.
Since 2012, service members who were discharged under discriminatory policies have had the option to apply to a military board to have their official records upgraded, removing references to sexual orientation and potentially qualifying for additional benefits. Yet, the struggle for LGBTQ veterans persists, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and systemic change to ensure true equality and access to the benefits they rightfully deserve.
Breaking Barriers: The Ongoing Struggle for LGBTQ Veterans' Rights and Recognition
In the picturesque town of Hubbardston, Massachusetts, former Navy sailor Annie Reyes and thousands of LGBTQ veterans share a common battle—one that extends beyond the seas they once served. Despite the repeal of discriminatory policies like Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the wounds inflicted by unjust discharges linger for many, preventing access to full veteran benefits.
Annie Reyes, who faced dismissal in 2009 under the shadow of "homosexual conduct," exemplifies the resilience of LGBTQ veterans who, even a decade after the repeal, find themselves fighting for their rightful place among those who served honorably. Their struggle involves reclaiming dignity and securing essential benefits denied due to less-than-honorable discharges.
The uphill climb is exacerbated by the intricate process of upgrading discharge records. According to the Pentagon, only one-in-four eligible veterans has initiated the process, shedding light on the complexities and hurdles involved. Christie Bhageloe, director of the Discharge Upgrade Program at The Veterans' Consortium, emphasizes the challenges, stating, "The bottom line is the veteran has to know to ask for it, and they have to know how to file it, and it's not simple.
In a promising move earlier this year, the Biden administration announced a groundbreaking initiative—the proactive review of discharge records to identify and assist veterans who have not stepped forward. While the Pentagon has confirmed the commencement of this initiative, the details regarding the scale and timeline remain unclear.
Advocates like Dana Montalto stress the importance of a more proactive approach, asserting that the onus should be on the military to address veterans' needs rather than placing the burden on veterans to navigate a complex process.
Several states, including Massachusetts, have taken steps to rectify the historic injustice faced by LGBTQ veterans. Governor Maura Healey, the state's first openly gay governor, has spearheaded efforts to expedite the process. Despite the progress, the burden still rests on veterans to file claims, and state initiatives alone cannot rectify discharge status with the Pentagon.
In September, Gov. Healey announced the creation of the Veterans Equality Review Board, a crucial step towards recognizing the estimated 10- to 15,000 veterans who could benefit from the initiative. Dr. Jon Santiago, leading the board, underscores its message: "We want to send a message to the veteran community that we hear you, that we see you, we want to work closely with you, and that if you were denied benefits, we are here to rectify that.
As the battle for LGBTQ veterans' rights and recognition continues, the collective hope is for a streamlined process, proactive measures, and a society that truly honors the commitment and sacrifices made by all who have served.
Why do we have to keep coming back and coming back for you to give justice to us?" questioned Annie Reyes, the former Navy sailor who faced an unjust dismissal in 2009 under the specter of "homosexual conduct." In a poignant plea, Reyes demands accountability, highlighting the frustration and persistence required for LGBTQ veterans to attain the justice they deserve. "You have our name. You know where we are," she emphasizes, echoing the sentiment shared by many who have served.
Despite the ongoing struggle, Reyes acknowledges the recent outreach as a positive albeit small step toward rectifying past wrongs. In her own pursuit of justice, she found success in 2009, collaborating with the Harvard Veterans Clinic to upgrade her discharge records to "honorable" and expunge the reference to her sexual orientation. However, she recognizes that tens of thousands of others are still waiting for similar resolution.
I'm willing to risk my life. I'm sitting here, still standing, willing to risk my life for you. You're wondering who I'm sleeping with? It's the stupidest thing," Reyes passionately asserts, underscoring the absurdity of the discriminatory practices faced by LGBTQ veterans. Her plea is clear: "I don't need an apology. I need them to fix the things they broke." In these powerful words, Reyes encapsulates the profound yearning for justice, reconciliation, and the restoration of dignity that LGBTQ veterans rightfully seek.
In conclusion, Annie Reyes' impassioned plea encapsulates the enduring struggle faced by LGBTQ veterans in their quest for justice and recognition. As a former Navy sailor who confronted dismissal under the cloud of discriminatory policies, Reyes questions why the path to justice is laden with persistent hurdles. Her poignant inquiry echoes the sentiments of countless LGBTQ veterans who have served their country yet find themselves repeatedly seeking acknowledgment and rectification for the injustices they endured.
While the recent outreach initiatives signal a positive albeit modest step forward, the overarching narrative remains one of a protracted battle for equality. The proactive review of discharge records initiated by the Biden administration offers hope, but the lack of clarity on the scale and timeline of this process underscores the challenges that persist.
Annie Reyes' personal success in upgrading her discharge records serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that change is possible through advocacy and legal support. However, the acknowledgment that tens of thousands are still awaiting resolution underscores the urgency of systemic change and streamlined processes.
Reyes' poignant declaration, "I'm willing to risk my life... I don't need an apology. I need them to fix the things they broke," resonates as a call for substantive action and a plea for the restoration of dignity. As the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ veterans' rights continues, the collective hope is for a society that recognizes and rectifies the historical injustices faced by those who have served with honor and resilience. The journey toward justice is far from over, but each step forward brings the promise of a more inclusive and equitable future for all veterans.