In response to our Memorial Day article "Honoring LGBTQ+ in the Military," we were fortunate enough to have LGBTQ+ members of the military share their stories. It's our privilege to share a few of those stories with all of you. Today, we say "thank you" to those who fight for freedom and for our community.
As we approach Independence Day, let these stories remind us to be thankful to those who serve so that we may have our freedom.
One of the responses to our Memorial Day story came from Dann. He graduated high school in June 1966 and was then drafted that December. Dann was willing to serve his country, but it was harder for him than most. Being a gay man in the 60s was already difficult, but being in the military forced him to temporarily abandon his identity as a gay man.
At ten years old, Dann knew who he was and was proud of it. His two years in the military forced him to deny himself. He was in the military prior to the “don’t ask, don’t tell” program, which meant he could be openly persecuted for his sexual identity without any consequences for his attackers.
“Young men and women today don’t realize what we went through,” he said. “I am happy for them today, but it was hell getting this far. I only hope and pray that we can go further.”
We are so thankful for people in the military like Dann, who have made it possible for the changes that took place, and we believe the future is bright for the LGBTQ+ community serving in the military.
If you would like to share your story, please email info@gaytravel.com.
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Reported by Kariana Treacy:
Kariana is the author of a brand new novel called Leave A Light On.
Photos and story courtesy of Dann TheMann
Cover Photo by Steve Harvey on Unsplash
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