To: Senator Dianne Feinstein
LGBTQ Rights in the Military
Stop LGBT discrimination in the military. Help protect their basic human rights.
Why is this important?
Dear Senator Dianne Feinstein,
Being an American, one tends to embody the idea that the United States represents a nation of equality and open mindedness, for the 14th amendment states that any citizen born or naturalized in the United States has the right to be treated equally. That idea however has been jeopardized, and disregarded as LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Questioning) citizens suffer through the constant harassment throughout the military. Although the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal took affect for these LGBTQ citizens to serve openly for our country they continue to face many injustices such as harassment, lack of benefits, and unfair discharges. Reaching a state of equality in the armed forces is not only the main goal, but also being able to recognize that the military operates best when all citizens are treated fairly.
Eric Fanning is the acting secretary of the Air Force and one of the highest-ranking government officials and continues to be discriminated against and harassed for his sexuality (Shinkman, 2013). Considering Fanning is one of the highest ranking officers it is surprising that he is still harassed, but the fact that he is openly gay makes him a role model for those who are worried about revealing their sexuality. In 1999, 37 percent of those responding to a survey proposed by Defense Secretary William Cohen reported that they had witnessed or experienced harassment due to sexual orientation (“Harassment of Gays in the Military,” 2000). This is close to half of the people responding to the survey, which also means that there are some who did not respond. Many do not want to talk about the harassment and/or violence they witness toward others that are openly gay in fear of being targeted by those opposing them.
Prohibiting benefits for Veterans' Same-Sex Spouses in states that are not recognizing Same-Sex Marriages or civil Unions violates the Constitution's 14th Amendment equal-protection guarantee clause, which prohibits the different and demeaning treatment of LGBT persons.
Many gay service members have been wrongfully denied honorable discharges even though they deserved them based on their service record. Most of the gay service members in the military who have engaged in homosexual acts are given a less than honorable discharge, whereas, the military does not even interfere with the needs of the heterosexual servicemen (Woltman, 1972). A less than honorable discharge automatically bars gay service members from applying for Federal, State or local government jobs, as well as excluding them from Veteran’s benefits (Woltman, 1972), The unfair exclusion from access to these benefits creates a hindrance to employment for service members in the civilian life (Shear, 2011). This is an act of discrimination that requires attention because equality does not only start and end in providing cultural and religious freedom, but sexual freedom as well.
Military service men and women now have the ability to be who they are, without repercussions. However, with the repeal of, “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” there are still plenty of issues to be upset about and therefore stand as equals and make right for those who have served our country. We must stand against anti-LGBTQ harassment that still persists, stand for benefits for veteran’s same sex spouses, and stand against “less than honorable” discharges before 1993. Will you join with us to fight for LGBTQ rights in the military?
Sincerely,
Magdalena, Mollie, Ovsana, Renee, and Sandra
Being an American, one tends to embody the idea that the United States represents a nation of equality and open mindedness, for the 14th amendment states that any citizen born or naturalized in the United States has the right to be treated equally. That idea however has been jeopardized, and disregarded as LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Questioning) citizens suffer through the constant harassment throughout the military. Although the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal took affect for these LGBTQ citizens to serve openly for our country they continue to face many injustices such as harassment, lack of benefits, and unfair discharges. Reaching a state of equality in the armed forces is not only the main goal, but also being able to recognize that the military operates best when all citizens are treated fairly.
Eric Fanning is the acting secretary of the Air Force and one of the highest-ranking government officials and continues to be discriminated against and harassed for his sexuality (Shinkman, 2013). Considering Fanning is one of the highest ranking officers it is surprising that he is still harassed, but the fact that he is openly gay makes him a role model for those who are worried about revealing their sexuality. In 1999, 37 percent of those responding to a survey proposed by Defense Secretary William Cohen reported that they had witnessed or experienced harassment due to sexual orientation (“Harassment of Gays in the Military,” 2000). This is close to half of the people responding to the survey, which also means that there are some who did not respond. Many do not want to talk about the harassment and/or violence they witness toward others that are openly gay in fear of being targeted by those opposing them.
Prohibiting benefits for Veterans' Same-Sex Spouses in states that are not recognizing Same-Sex Marriages or civil Unions violates the Constitution's 14th Amendment equal-protection guarantee clause, which prohibits the different and demeaning treatment of LGBT persons.
Many gay service members have been wrongfully denied honorable discharges even though they deserved them based on their service record. Most of the gay service members in the military who have engaged in homosexual acts are given a less than honorable discharge, whereas, the military does not even interfere with the needs of the heterosexual servicemen (Woltman, 1972). A less than honorable discharge automatically bars gay service members from applying for Federal, State or local government jobs, as well as excluding them from Veteran’s benefits (Woltman, 1972), The unfair exclusion from access to these benefits creates a hindrance to employment for service members in the civilian life (Shear, 2011). This is an act of discrimination that requires attention because equality does not only start and end in providing cultural and religious freedom, but sexual freedom as well.
Military service men and women now have the ability to be who they are, without repercussions. However, with the repeal of, “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” there are still plenty of issues to be upset about and therefore stand as equals and make right for those who have served our country. We must stand against anti-LGBTQ harassment that still persists, stand for benefits for veteran’s same sex spouses, and stand against “less than honorable” discharges before 1993. Will you join with us to fight for LGBTQ rights in the military?
Sincerely,
Magdalena, Mollie, Ovsana, Renee, and Sandra