03/27/2026
Today is the birthday of Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer, US Army (ret) who became one of the most important servicemembers to challenge the military’s ban on LGBTQ service in the US Armed Forces. Colonel Cammermeyer, a highly decorated Vietnam Veteran and a candidate for general officer, was the highest ranking active US military officer to come out in order to challenge the ban on LGBTQ military service. After disclosing she was a le***an in a security clearance interview Cammermeyer was honorably discharged in June 1992. She sued and was reinstated in 1994, serving until her retirement in 1997. During this time we was one of the only LGBTQ military members serving openly. She became one of the most compelling individuals to contest the policy, and she inspired many others to do the same. The repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was due in large part to the courage and dedication of Colonel Cammermeyer. Her commitment to authenticity remain a great creator of change in the lives of LGBTQ people around the world.
