Inside the military’s LGBTQ+ witch hunts
Trump’s return to the White House is resurfacing questions over who is fit to serve. Two veterans — from opposite sides — reveal the lasting harm of our discriminatory past.
December 8, 2024
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veterans benefits
No Spousal Benefits for Gay Veterans
A letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs confirms gay and lesbian veterans will continue to be denied spousal benefits.
August 27, 2013
Married Gay Veterans to Receive Benefits
Just a week after doubling down on a section of U.S. law that kept the military and Department of Defense from offering spousal benefits to veterans in same-sex marriages, the Department of Justice announced today it will stop enforcing Title 38.
September 4, 2013
Rhode Island Will Restore Benefits for LGBTQ Veterans
Gov. Gina Raimondo signed legislation into law on Friday.
November 11, 2019
Judge: Denial of Equal Veterans' Benefits Unconstitutional
A California judge rules in the case of a lesbian veteran whose marriage was not recognized by the VA; it may lead to equal benefits for all same-sex couples.
August 30, 2013
New York Grants State Benefits to LGBTQ Veterans
Rhode Island passed a similar law last week.
November 15, 2019
Many LGBT Troops Don't Get Veterans Benefits
Veterans in Chicago are calling on the government to keep its promise to those who served, regardless of sexual orientation or discharge status.
November 11, 2015
Senate Blocks Benefits for Veterans in Same-Sex Marriages
Eight Senate Republicans supported the effort, but the amendment fell short of receiving the 60 votes needed to pass.
June 5, 2015
VA Refuses to Recognize Veteran’s Wife and Child
The Department of Veterans Affairs has frozen the disabled veteran’s benefits until she pays back the full amount the VA mistakenly awarded for her wife and child.
March 1, 2015
House Committee Won't Extend Spousal Benefits to Gay Vets
The legislation would have allowed veterans' same-sex spouses access to benefits, even if they do not live in a marriage equality state.
September 10, 2014
Feds: We've Extended All Possible Benefits to Same-Sex Couples
But federal laws make some married same-sex couples ineligible for certain Social Security and veterans' benefits, explains a new report.
June 20, 2014
Massachusetts governor seeks IVF coverage for veterans in same-sex relationships
Maura Healey, one of the first out lesbian governors in the nation, wants to equalize coverage of assisted reproduction and provide other new benefits to Massachusetts veterans.
January 4, 2024
Senate Takes Stand for Same-Sex Couples
Some couples are losing out on Social Security and Veterans' benefits because they live in a state that doesn't recognize their union; a Senate vote, while not binding, marks an attempt to right that wrong.
April 16, 2015
New Law Would Benefit Gays Discharged Under DADT
Gay and lesbian military veterans discharged under the federal ban on openly LGBT service members may receive benefits through the state under a bill being considered by the Massachusetts state senate.
March 25, 2008
More LGBTQ+ Spouses to Receive Survivors' Benefits, VA Announces
The Department of Veteran Affairs changed its policy due to previous anti-marriage equality laws.
October 20, 2022
VA Eases the Path to Benefits for LGBTQ+ and HIV-Positive Vets
Those kicked out under "don't ask, don't tell" or other discriminatory policies no longer have to apply to have their discharges upgraded.Â
September 21, 2021
Many LGBTQ+ Vets Still Having Trouble Getting Benefits, Suit Says
Some are seeing barriers because of the type of discharge they received, even after the government announced a simplified process.
July 14, 2022
Mass. Senate Passes Bill Benefiting Victims of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
"For far too long, thousands of courageous individuals have been told that they are not worthy of the same benefits that their comrades and counterparts earned," Velis said.
May 26, 2022
Op-ed: Our Veterans Are Still Waiting for Their Rights
Even with the a key part of the Defense of Marriage Act deemed unconstitutional, our nation's bravest citizens still wait for equality.
July 3, 2013
Dem. Candidate: I'll Restore Benefits to Gay Vets Discharged by DADT
Many vets received less-than-honorable discharges under the policy, affecting their eligibility for benefits. Rep. Seth Moulton unveils a plan to upgrade them.
June 6, 2019