Duty, Honor, Pride

Military Experiences of LGBTQ+ Servicemembers of Central PA

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy

Intended to decrease harassment, the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy allowed lesbian and gay soldiers to serve in the United States military as long as they didn’t share their sexual orientation with their branch of service. President Bill Clinton’s administration originally tried to lift the ban on lesbian and gay people in the military, but opposition forced it to accept this compromise in 1994. As a result, the crime became being openly gay while serving in the military. However, the policy also forbade military commanders from asking their troops about their sexual orientation as an effort to protect privacy.

LGBT-033, 2.2: “I Want You! To End the Military Ban” Poster

LGBT-034: “Leave Our Privates Alone” Button

LGBT-039: “Don’t Ask ‘Cause I’ll Tell” Button

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