The Road Through “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is a documentary project centered on the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ veterans whose service was shaped by silence, policy, and restraint. Through portraits and oral histories, the project examines how policy shaped identity, service, and silence—and how those experiences are carried forward.

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The project is built from extended interviews conducted over multiple years. Testimonies are edited only for clarity and pacing, without altering meaning or intent. Images and texts are intentionally unpaired, reflecting the fragmented conditions under which many veterans served—where identity was guarded, divided, or obscured.

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The project includes 20+ recorded oral histories and continues to grow through ongoing outreach, archival research, and participant referrals. Future phases include exhibitions, a limited-edition artist book, and public programs.

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Why This Matters:

         By participating, you're contributing to a larger movement of preserving the voices of LGBTQIA+ veterans and ensuring our history is remembered. Your story is powerful, and sharing it helps provide visibility and understanding to others who may not know what we’ve endured. Thank you for considering being part of this important project.​​

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Veterans who wish to share their stories—or those who know someone who might—are invited to connect. Participation is voluntary, collaborative, and guided by the comfort of each individual.