Rainbow Honor Walk Honor Leonard Matlovich
Today on the anniversary of his birth, we celebrate the life and legacy of Rainbow Honor Walk honoree Leonard Matlovich (July 6, 1943 – June 22, 1988).
A decorated U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War and recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, Matlovich became the first gay service member to deliberately come out in order to challenge the military’s ban on gay people. His 1975 appearance on the cover of TIME made him one of the most visible LGBTQ+ activists of his era and helped bring the struggle for equality in the armed forces into the national spotlight.
His courage helped open the way for generations of LGBTQ+ service members to live and serve openly.
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