Ask and Tell: Gay and Lesbian Veterans Speak Out

Ask and Tell presents firsthand accounts from LGBT veterans who served in the U.S. military from World War II through the early 2000s. Through extensive interviews, Steve Estes documents their experiences navigating military service under discriminatory policies like "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The veterans share their stories of enlisting, serving, and in many cases being discharged due to their sexual orientation. Their narratives span multiple branches of service and conflicts including WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror. The book includes perspectives from both enlisted personnel and officers. The interviews reveal common themes of patriotism, dedication to service, and personal sacrifice while facing institutional discrimination. Estes provides historical context for each era's policies and attitudes toward LGBT service members. These oral histories contribute to understanding both military culture and the broader LGBT civil rights movement in America. The work highlights the intersection of military service, identity, and social change through personal testimony rather than abstract policy discussion.

Readers note this book fills a gap in documenting LGBTQ military service through firsthand accounts. Several reviewers highlight how it captures both discrimination and resilience through detailed oral histories spanning WWII through Don't Ask Don't Tell. Readers appreciated: - The range of perspectives from different service branches and eras - Focus on both enlisted personnel and officers - Clear historical context provided between interviews - Balanced coverage of men and women's experiences Main criticisms: - Some interviews feel repetitive - Limited coverage of transgender veterans - Academic tone in certain sections Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (14 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (6 ratings) One veteran reviewer called it "an honest look at what we endured to serve our country." Another noted it "helps preserve these stories before they're lost to time." A military historian praised its "significant contribution to both LGBTQ and military scholarship."

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Conduct Unbecoming: Gays and Lesbians in the U.S. Military by Randy Shilts This investigation documents the experiences of LGBTQ service members from World War I through the 1990s using interviews and military records.

Secret Service: Untold Stories of Lesbians in the Military by Zsa Zsa Gershick This collection presents oral histories from lesbian service members who served in the U.S. military from World War II through the 1990s.

Fighting to Serve by Alexander Nicholson This insider account details the political battle to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell through testimonies of affected service members.

The Unfinished Mission by Nathaniel Frank This examination traces the history of LGBTQ military service from World War II through the post-DADT era using archival research and veteran interviews.

🌟 Author Steve Estes conducted over 50 in-depth interviews with LGBT veterans whose service spanned from World War II to the Iraq War. 📘 The book reveals that many gay and lesbian service members were actually sought out by military intelligence during World War II because of their perceived ability to recognize and identify other gay people. 🎖️ Several veterans interviewed in the book received honorable discharges despite being known to be gay, as their commanding officers valued their service more than enforcing anti-gay policies. 🗓️ The book documents how the treatment of LGBT service members evolved from World War II through "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," showing both progress and continued discrimination across decades. 🏳️‍🌈 Many veterans featured in the book went on to become activists in the movement to end military discrimination, using their personal experiences to advocate for change.