On 22 December 2010, President Barack Obama signed into law the repeal of the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" (DADT) policy, a contentious regulation that for 17 years had barred openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals from serving in the United States military.
The historic moment marked a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights, reflecting a broader societal shift toward inclusion and equality.
The repeal, which followed years of activism and rigorous debate, allowed service members to serve openly without fear of dismissal due to their sexual orientation.
President Obama, during the signing ceremony, hailed the decision as a step toward justice, affirming the dignity and worth of every individual who wears the uniform.