Marines Make Things Go Boom: A LGBTQ soldier speaks out.
Roe v. Wade, a significant legal decision that upheld the federal right to an abortion, was overturned by the Supreme Court last week. States that are home to numerous military bases have already passed "trigger laws" that forbid abortion immediately.
This has serious implications for the military. Following the announcement of the decision, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin tweeted that the DoD will examine its reproductive health policies to ensure it continues to provide seamless access as permitted by law.
There are policies in place to assist service members who face discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender; the Army has relaxed its tattoo policy amid a recruiting crisis, and refugees from the war in Afghanistan work through difficult times.
Signal support systems expert Sgt. Claudia Villegas poses in front of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. In an Instagram post from The Army Old Guard's official account, she stated: "As an LGBTQ Soldier, I wasn't sure what it would be like to serve within the ranks or what my fellow soldiers would expect from me." She believes that the military has become more accepting of LGBTQ members in recent years in reference to "restrictions" and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Just take your time, warriors who remain inside.
She continued, I want you to know that you are not alone and that you always have someone supporting you. U.S. Army and The Old Guard.