FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 20th, 2024

LGBTQ+ Veterans Day Commemorated in Illinois with Gubernatorial Proclamation

LGBTQ+ advocates celebrate Governor JB Pritzker's proclamation marking September 20th as LGBTQ+ Veterans Day in the State of Illinois. The proclamation highlights the important contributions and challenges experienced by LGBTQ+ veterans. LGBTQ+ Veterans Day commemorates the date in 2011 when the United States military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was officially repealed, thus allowing LGBTQ+ members of the U.S. armed forces to proudly serve the United States of America as their authentic selves.

“As the leader of an organization dedicated to serving minority veterans and an LGBTQ+ veteran myself,” said Lindsay Church, Executive Director of Minority Veterans of America, “I’ve witnessed the resilience and courage of LGBTQ+ service members and veterans who have faced not only the rigors of military service but also the added burden of fighting for their right to exist authentically. The state of Illinois proclaiming September 20th as LGBTQ+ Veterans Day marks an important step in recognizing the sacrifices made by those who served while hiding parts of themselves or risking everything to live openly. This proclamation is not just about honoring the past but ensuring a future where our military policies remain inclusive, and every veteran—no matter their identity—feels respected, valued, and supported.”

“As someone from a military family, I hold near to my heart values of service and patriotism. Countless LGBTQ+ people who also shared those values sought to serve America as part of her armed forces. Yet, decades of discriminatory policies betrayed their service,” said Brian C. Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois. “Thank you to Gov. Pritzker for demonstrating our state’s support of LGBTQ+ veterans with proclamation of September 20th as LGBTQ+ Veterans Day. The governor’s proclamation today and the leadership of the American Veterans for Equal Rights and the Minority Veterans of America are critical to ensuring honor for those patriotic LGBTQ+ Illinoisans and highlighting their continuing needs, including access to affirming healthcare. We are grateful for the service and sacrifice of LGBTQ+ veterans.”

Read Governor Pritzker’s proclamation here.

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