LGBTQ+ Veterans Challenge Military Discharges in Lawsuit
LGBTQ veterans who were discharged from the U.S. military due to their sexuality are suing the Department of Defense, seeking honorable discharges and the removal of language noting their sexual orientations on their service records. They argue that the documents violate their privacy and hinder their access to veteran benefits. The lawsuit highlights the burdensome and inaccessible process for veterans to request changes to their discharge status. Advocates have long called for automatic adjustments to discharge status and an apology for mistreatment of LGBTQ service members. The suit contends that without changes, ongoing discrimination against LGBTQ veterans will persist.