Leonard Matlovich

1943–1988 (age 45)

Military Officer/Activist

Biography

Leonard Matlovich, a decorated airman, became a pivotal figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights when he openly challenged policies that forced him to choose between service and honesty about who he was.

He endured hardship with courage, sparking national conversations about inclusion and integrity in the military, and the respect he earned endures among veterans and activists alike, with visitors paying tribute at Congressional Cemetery.

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