Don’t ask, don’t tell

Definition

Don't Ask, Don't Tell was a policy implemented in the U.S. military from 1994 until 2011 that prohibited military personnel from discriminating against or harassing closeted homosexual or bisexual service members, while barring openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual individuals from military service. The policy was intended as a compromise to address the controversy surrounding LGBT individuals serving in the military but was criticized for forcing service members to hide their sexual orientation.

Related terms

LGBT Rights: The advocacy and social movements aimed at achieving equality and legal protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

Military Policy: A set of rules and guidelines established by military organizations to govern the conduct and decisions of its members.

Repeal of DADT: The act of officially ending the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in 2011, allowing LGBT individuals to serve openly in the United States military without fear of discharge due to their sexual orientation