Senator, colleagues recognize September 20th as National LGBTQ+ Veterans Day
Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley introduced a resolution recognizing September 20th as National LGBTQ+ Veterans Day—continuing his longtime work as a champion in Congress to restore full honor to veterans and servicemembers who have been mistreated in the U.S. Armed Forces due to their sexual orientation.
National LGBTQ+ Veterans Day serves as a reminder of the resilience and courage demonstrated by LGBTQ+ individuals who have served our nation. September 20th also marks the anniversary of the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in 2011. The resolution calls for enhanced awareness of the historical injustices faced by LGBTQ+ servicemembers — including ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ the ban on transgender military service, and the decades of exclusion prior to these policy repeals — and urges the U.S. government to continue providing support for LGBTQ+ patriots.
“America’s servicemembers and veterans come from all walks of life, but they all share a common commitment to serve our nation,” said Merkley. “The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell era and the ban on transgender servicemembers are a dark stain on America’s military history. LGBTQ+ veterans have always been an integral part of the fabric of our military, and we must recognize and celebrate their service to defend our very way of life.”
It is estimated that more than 100,000 servicemembers were discharged from the Armed Forces on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. An estimated 870,000 LGBTQ+ servicemembers have been affected by hostility, harassment, assault, and law enforcement targeting due to the military policies previously in place. Still today, many veterans who were discharged on discriminatory grounds are unable to access their benefits, and those still serving face inconsistent protections that make them vulnerable to harassment and put their careers at risk.
Merkley’s efforts to support LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans are in part driven by late U.S. Navy veteran Martin Cerezo, who was outed as gay and given an “Other Than Honorable” discharge in 1990. With the help of Merkley’s office, Martin’s mother Cheryle was able to fulfill her son’s dying wish to be buried at Willamette National Cemetery in June 2023.
“It took enormous courage for Martin and others who are gay to enlist in the U.S. military,” said Cheryle Cerezo-Gardiner, Martin’s mother. “Martin didn’t have to serve – there was no draft, and his sexual orientation would have given him an easy out. But Martin’s love for his country and his desire to serve in the Navy was stronger than the fear of being outed. My son, and tens of thousands of other men and women, put love of country and a desire to serve above all else. Their futures and relationships were casualties of their patriotism, and they deserve the recognition and honor this resolution provides. Sen. Merkley and the other Senators co-sponsoring this resolution understand that a National Day of Observance is fitting and long overdue.”
Merkley also joined his colleagues to introduce the Commission on Equity and Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services Act, a bill to establish a commission to investigate the historic and ongoing impacts of discriminatory military policies on LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans. Merkley, as an original cosponsor, specifically pushed to include a provision in the Senate version of the bill that directs the commission to recommend appropriate remedies for how the federal government may examine the issue of burial rights denied to members of uniformed services and veterans who were prematurely discharged due to the discriminatory policies against them.
In addition to Merkley, this resolution is cosponsored by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).
The National LGBTQ+ Veterans Day resolution is endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, Modern Military Association of America, Minority Veterans of America, and National Women’s Law Center.
“Every American who faithfully served their country in uniform deserves our respect and gratitude. This is equally true for those LGBTQ+ veterans who experienced discrimination, harassment, and even the end of their careers simply because of who they were or who they loved. We’re thankful for Senator Merkley and other pro-equality allies in Congress for their recognition of these veterans and for sending a clear message that these LGBTQ+ service members deserve all of our thanks,” said David Stacy, Vice President for Government Affairs for Human Rights Campaign.
“As we commemorate the 13th anniversary of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the introduction of the National LGBTQ+ Veterans Day resolution by Senator Merkley is a significant milestone in recognizing the invaluable contributions of LGBTQ+ service members and veterans. Moreover, it acknowledges the historical harm caused by discriminatory policies which led to the unjust discharge of countless LGBTQ+ individuals. This resolution reaffirms our nation’s commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ veterans and ensuring they receive the recognition, respect, and benefits they deserve,” said Rachel Branaman, Executive Director of Modern Military Association of America.
“National LGBTQ+ Veterans Day is a critical step in acknowledging the unique service and sacrifices of LGBTQ+ service members and veterans, whose contributions have too often been overshadowed by unjust policies and discrimination. This day not only honors their resilience and dedication but also highlights the ongoing fight for equity, inclusion, and justice within our nation’s military and veteran communities. As we mark the anniversary of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, we are reminded of the progress we’ve made—and of the critical work still ahead to ensure that all who serve are treated with dignity and respect,” said Lindsay Church, Executive Director of Minority Veterans of America.
The full text of the resolution can be found by clicking here.
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