While this may come as a shock to some people on the right, as long as the military has existed, so too have the queer men and queer women who have fought for their country.
These queer folks were brave in more ways than one — not only for stepping up to defend their nation, but also for sharing their authentic selves with the ones they loved and the cameras that captured those moments and preserved them for generations to come.
These photos are our legacy and the inspiration for those who came after them to live out loud and proudly.
Scroll down to travel back through time and see the many queer folks in uniform — and the legacy of love and bravery they left behind in these photos.




























































Kandy Muse, Willow Pill, Utica Queen, Shea Couleé and Kahmora Hall pose with Denali.Julie Mikos
Jamie Meun, better known as Chicago drag performer Aunty Chan, officiated at the wedding.Julie Mikos
Alexander Montgomery and Cordero Zuckerman’s wedding invitations and custom-designed wedding rings.Julie Mikos
Alexander Montgomery, left, and Cordero Zuckerman wore custom designs made for them by Project Runway finalist, Utica queen, at their reception.Julie Mikos
Alexander Montgomery and Cordero Zuckerman dance with their wedding guests.Julie Mikos
Alexander Montgomery, left, and Cordero Zuckerman posed for a photo following their wedding. Julie Mikos