90 Years Young Lesbian, Expelled from Military in 1955, Finally Gets Honorable Discharge

in #gay7 years ago

Helen Grace James.jpg

NPR.org is reporting that Helen Grace James, who was expelled from military service back in 1955 for being an "undesirable" - or lesbian, as we'd call it today - has finally won the honorable discharge she deserves, more than 60 years after her persecution.

Despite the fact that she was denied service benefits due to the expulsion, including education benefits, James managed to make a good life for herself by working her way to advanced degrees from top schools like Stanford before going on to a successful career as a physical therapist.

This is a sign that the military is righting past wrongs, but we can't let our guards down. The current persecution of transgender service members by their very own Commander-in-Chief is proof that we still have battles to be won.

Keep it queer.

Original article posted at:

https://www.npr.org/2018/01/20/579205780/kicked-out-of-air-force-for-being-gay-helen-grace-james-wins-honorable-discharge

Photo credited to Helen James and originally found at:

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2018/01/18/us-air-force-expelled-her-in-1955-for-being-a-lesbian-at-90-shes-finally-getting-an-honourable-discharge.html

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Im into this! Next time can you weite a full article from a diff angle and quote/link multiple sources! I want you to succeed here! :P

No - thanks for commenting!

Ok , im only saying this because I want you to succeed. 🤷‍♀️ Peace

I appreciate it, but my justification for my original response are as follows: I think there's a market for content aggregation, especially considering the complete lack of LGBTQ focused content on this platform at the moment, my schedule doesn't currently allow for more than content aggregation, and success is very subjective. In my mind, my 20 some followers is a success.

Okee doke then. Best of luck! Let me know if you change your mind. ;) i have a couple of communities ready to support you

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Hi there, thanks for bringing awareness to some progress being made in this area. As you mentioned, we have light years of work to do to get to a place where queer is an accepted normalcy. Keep steeming and working on bridging lgbt journalism to Steemit, it’s worthwhile. Definitely follow any advice offered by @limabeing :-) she’s a great mentor.

If you’re on discord, I’d love to start a personal chat with you about your story and interests here. My discord is betterbeing#0072.

Friendship requested via discord.