Serving Under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
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2026-01-26T00:24:08+00:00
Introduced by former President Bill Clinton in 1993, the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy was signed into law by Congress in 1994, allowing members of the LGBTQ+ community to serve their country — as long as they kept silent about their sexuality. Under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," members of the military were prohibited from discriminating against other members they perceived to be gay. However, the policy did little to deter discrimination. Bisexual or homosexual members of the military were not allowed to disclose their sexual orientation or engage openly in same-sex relationships. Violation of this policy or engaging in "homosexual conduct" would result in the service member being discharged, losing their veteran's benefits, or worse.
When Jennifer Dane enlisted to serve in the U.S. Air Force in 2010, she had to sign paperwork indicating that that she was not a member of the LGTBQ+ community nor would she disclose her sexual identity.
"Because it says, 'You are affirming that this is like true in fact that you are not gay.' And so I remember like struggling in signing that and just knowing that I was going to have to abide by that."
The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy caused harm towards the LGTBQ+ community as it forced them into secrecy while doing little to combat the prejudice against them. By 2009, the military had discharged more than 13,000 lesbians, gays, and bisexuals since "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was introduced. The policy has left a shameful legacy, even after being repealed in September of 2011. Members who had been discharged because of sexual orientation lost their career, lost access to veteran's benefits, including medical care, pensions, and were ineligible for the G.I. Bill. Many faced harassment, forced outings, and targeting from other service members. Even investigations surrounding sexual assault cases turned into investigations about sexual identity. The shortfalls of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy are still lingering today as members wronged by this legislation are still seeking remedies.
