Air Force expelled her in 1955 for being a lesbian. Now, at 90, she's getting an honorable discharge

[n2doc]

A California woman kicked out of the military 60 years ago for being a lesbian has finally had her rights restored.

In 1955, Airman Second Class Helen Grace James was targeted and investigated by Air Force officials for her sexuality, part of a massive effort to remove gay and lesbian service members known as the "Lavender Scare."

Now, at 90, and living in California, James filed a federal lawsuit earlier this month against the U.S. Air Force seeking to upgrade her "undesirable" discharge to "honorable."

This week, James's attorney received word the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records has agreed to change her status. "The Board has decided to upgrade Helen's discharge status to Honorable," James's attorney, J. Cacilia Kim, told The Washington Post.


more

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Air-Force-expelled-her-in-1955-for-being-a-12506770.php

[shenmue]

1. Hooray!

[3catwoman3]

2. Well, good. I am so glad for her.

[YOHABLO]

3. Shame on this nation, shame. It took them 62 years? I'm disgusted.

[irisblue]

4. Good for her