LGBT servicemen were honored last Thursday, Nov 11., in Chicago despite the ongoing debate regarding the military’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy.
The event was sponsored by the Chicago chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights, a national organization focused on creating “an environment free from harassment and discrimination based on prejudice, fear, ignorance, or intolerance” for men and women serving the in the US military.
Here is an excerpt from the article posted by the Windy City Times:
“Bidwell retired with 27 years of Navy service and Reinhard successfully completed many years as an openly gay man in the Navy only to join the Coast Guard and be discharged under the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. Since leaving the military, both have been leaders in communicating the ills of the policy and have represented the movement to repeal it. ”
I am glad to know that our retired servicemen and women–and some who are actively serving–are committed to ending this ridiculous policy.
