Honoring LGBTQ+ Veterans: Frank Kameny’s Legacy and the Fight for Equality in Service
On this Veterans Day, we honor the courage, dedication, and resilience of all service members who have defended our nation. Among these heroes, we remember Frank Kameny—a World War II veteran whose journey reflects not only valor on the battlefield but also an unwavering commitment to equality and justice.
Frank Kameny served in the U.S. Army with distinction during World War II. Like many LGBTQ+ service members of his time, Kameny faced the unique challenge of serving a country that questioned his right to be there, solely because of his sexual orientation. He chose silence to protect his service, denying his identity when asked if he had “homosexual tendencies.” Despite this painful choice, Kameny continued to serve, embodying the strength and tenacity of the Greatest Generation.
After the war, Kameny used the GI Bill to earn a PhD in astronomy from Harvard and went on to work with the federal government. However, his career was abruptly ended in 1957 when the government discovered his sexuality and revoked his security clearance. In a painful irony, the country he had fought for turned against him, sidelining his skills and commitment due to deep-seated prejudice.
This moment of injustice became a turning point in Kameny’s life. Rather than surrender, he became a prominent activist, fighting tirelessly for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in the military and across society. Known as the “Father of the Gay Rights Movement,” Kameny’s impact extended far beyond the military. His relentless advocacy led to landmark victories, including the American Psychiatric Association’s decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder, a shift that opened doors for countless LGBTQ+ individuals.
Today, we remember Frank Kameny and all LGBTQ+ veterans who have shown profound courage in the face of adversity. Their stories remind us that freedom is only meaningful when it includes everyone. The repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in 2010—just a year before Kameny’s passing—was a hard-fought victory that affirmed the right of LGBTQ+ Americans to serve openly and authentically.
At Safe Schools, we look forward to a future where wars are a thing of the past, where society evolves beyond division and conflict to embrace mutual understanding and peace. We believe that diversity is our strength, and we envision a world where all people—regardless of background, orientation, or identity—can contribute to a society that values love, compassion, and unity over prejudice and separation.
To all veterans, especially those who have been marginalized and told they did not belong, we thank you. You have shown us the true meaning of resilience and sacrifice, and your courage paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
By: Rev. Harold Marrero
Chief Operating Officer
Source: National WWII Museum
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