My name is Karina Piu (she/her), the Policy and Advocacy Coordinator at The Center and one of the co-liaisons for the Benjamin F. Dillingham, III and Bridget Wilson LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor Advisory Committee. I am thrilled to share that we are now accepting nominations for our 2025 LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor through June 30, 2025!
The LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor was created by Nicole Murray Ramirez with support from veterans Benjamin Dillingham and Bridget Wilson in 2011 following the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” a discriminatory policy that prevented LGBTQ+ people from serving openly and authentically in the military. During DADT, over 13,000 LGBTQ+ military service members were discharged due to their identity. Many of them received an “other than honorable” discharge status, disqualifying them from benefits like free Veterans Affairs healthcare, GI bill funds for college tuition, and VA-backed home loans.
Despite their commitment to serving and defending our nation, many LGBTQ+ veterans today cannot access the benefits our country promises to all veterans. Since the new administration took office in January, President Trump rescinded President Biden’s 2021 order that allowed transgender individuals to serve openly in the U.S. military (which reversed the first Trump administration’s initial ban), and in late January signed an executive order directing the Department of Defense to ban transgender military service members. Though that executive order was initially blocked, as of May 6, 2025, the Supreme Court has allowed the military to proceed with this transgender military ban as legal challenges continue.
These attacks on our community’s rights reverse hard-won progress for LGBTQ+ troops who now face the loss of their careers, healthcare, and stability.
Nominate an LGBTQ+ Veteran
In light of anti-LGBTQ policy impacting our military community, now more than ever it is important for us to uplift and honor the service of all LGBTQ+ veterans. At the annual Induction Ceremony for the LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor in November, honorees will be celebrated for their courageous service and ongoing commitment to the San Diego region’s LGBTQ+ community. It is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ veterans to share their stories and experiences, inspiring future generations and breaking free from silence and repression.
We invite you to nominate an LGBTQ+ veteran you know whose story deserves to be uplifted. Nominees are eligible regardless of rank earned, branch of service or component (Active, Reserve, or National Guard), and nominees may be living or deceased. Please find the list of criteria and application process on The Center’s LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor webpage. The deadline to submit nominations is June 30, 2025.
We look forward to reading your submissions and recognizing our LGBTQ+ veterans for their service and commitment to our nation and our community. Through the LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor, let’s celebrate the stories of our LGBTQ+ service members and make sure they receive the recognition they so deeply deserve.
In Community,
Karina Piu (she/her)
Policy and Advocacy Coordinator