equality on the battlefield
In 1993, “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” became the United States official policy that referred to gays serving in the military. This policy revoked the prohibition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) participation in the military that had been in effect during World War ll. The government believed that individuals who acted in a homosexual manner would go against military moral codes and affect the integrity of the troops. However, in 2011 the government concluded that the policy was discriminatory against homosexuals and it was repealed. This allowed openly gay and lesbian individuals to serve in the military, excluding the participation of those who were transgender. Although some believe the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy reinforced a fundamental standard of personal discipline and efficiency within the US military, the United States government should continue to ban this policy. In order to be free of all discrimination, they should further advertise their toleration towards LGBT individuals in the military. During his eight years in the air force, Sergeant Justin Lahl painstakingly kept his sexual orientation a secret, flinching whenever a fellow airman would make a homophobic joke. After the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy was repealed, Sgt. Lahl was able to be open about his sexuality. He then became the leader of the Gay-Straight Alliance at the Kirtland Air Force Base. Support organizations like Sgt. Lahl’s have been forming at military bases around the country since President Obama repealed the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy in 2011. Lahl stated, “It’s been liberating, being able to be myself and not two separate people- one person at work and one at home. We’re not just this nameless, faceless person anymore. We’re a presence on the base.” These organized groups can help gay service members advance in their military careers while supplying them personal support and assistance with the unique challenges they face. While boosting their self