Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Definition

Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) was a policy implemented by the United States military from 1993 to 2011 that prohibited openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual individuals from serving in the armed forces. Under this policy, service members were not required to disclose their sexual orientation, but they could be discharged if their sexual orientation became known. This created a culture of secrecy and fear among LGBTQ+ service members and sparked significant activism for LGBTQ+ rights within and outside the military.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DADT was enacted as part of a compromise to allow LGBTQ+ individuals to serve in the military without facing discrimination for their sexual orientation.
2. The policy led to the discharge of thousands of service members during its implementation, many of whom were highly skilled and experienced.
3. Activism against DADT gained momentum in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with groups like the Human Rights Campaign working tirelessly for its repeal.
4. The policy was officially repealed in September 2011, allowing service members to openly serve regardless of their sexual orientation.
5. The repeal of DADT marked a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights and paved the way for broader acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in various sectors of society.

Review Questions

• How did the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy impact the lives of LGBTQ+ service members during its enforcement?
  • The Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy created an environment where LGBTQ+ service members had to conceal their identities to maintain their military careers. This led to widespread feelings of fear and anxiety among those serving, as they could be discharged if their sexual orientation was revealed. The need to live in secrecy affected their mental health and sense of belonging in the military community.
• Discuss the role of activism in the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and its significance for LGBTQ+ rights.
  • Activism played a crucial role in bringing attention to the injustices faced by LGBTQ+ individuals under Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Advocacy groups organized campaigns, protests, and lobbying efforts that highlighted personal stories of those affected by the policy. This public pressure helped shift societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals in the military and was instrumental in garnering support for its eventual repeal.
• Evaluate the broader implications of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell for LGBTQ+ activism and social change in America.
  • The repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell represented a significant milestone in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, symbolizing progress toward greater equality and acceptance. It demonstrated that activism can lead to tangible policy changes within institutions historically resistant to such changes. This victory provided momentum for further advocacy efforts aimed at achieving marriage equality and other protections for LGBTQ+ individuals across various aspects of society.

Related terms

LGBTQ+ Rights: The legal and social movements advocating for the equal treatment and rights of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other sexual and gender minorities.

Military Discharge: The formal release of a service member from military service, which can occur under various circumstances including honorable discharge, general discharge, and dishonorable discharge.

Civilian Review Board: A group established to investigate complaints against military personnel or police conduct, often related to issues of discrimination or misconduct.