Leonard Matlovich

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About

American Military Serviceperson Leonard Matlovich was born on 6th July, 1943 in Savannah, Georgia, U.S. and passed away on 22nd Jun 1988 West Hollywood, California, U.S. aged 44. He is most remembered for Recipient of the following military medals: Purple Heart (medal decoration), the Bronze Star (medal decoration) and Air Force Commendation Medal. His zodiac sign is Cancer.

Leonard Matlovich is a member of the following lists: Homosexuality and Mormonism, Former Roman Catholics and American LGBTQ rights activists.

Details

First Name	Leonard
Last Name	Matlovich
Birthday	6th July, 1943
Birthplace	Savannah, Georgia, U.S.
Died	22nd June, 1988
Place of Death	West Hollywood, California, U.S.
Cause of Death	Aids (related complications)
Buried	Congressional Cemetery, Washington, District of Columbia, District Of Columbia, USA
Build	Athletic
Eye Color	Brown - Dark
Hair Color	Black
Zodiac Sign	Cancer
Sexuality	Gay
Ethnicity	White
Nationality	American
Occupation Text	Vietnam War veteran, race relations instructor, gay rights activist
Occupation	Military
Claim to Fame	Recipient of the following military medals: Purple Heart (medal decoration), the Bronze Star (medal decoration) and Air Force Commendation Medal

Technical Sergeant Leonard Philip Matlovich (July 6, 1943 – June 22, 1988) was an American Vietnam War veteran, race relations instructor, and recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was the first gay service member to purposely out himself to the military to fight their ban on gays, and perhaps the best-known openly gay man in America in the 1970s next to Harvey Milk. His fight to stay in the United States Air Force after coming out of the closet became a cause célèbre around which the gay community rallied. His case resulted in articles in newspapers and magazines throughout the country, numerous television interviews, and a television movie on NBC. His photograph appeared on the cover of the September 8, 1975, issue of Time magazine, making him a symbol for thousands of gay and lesbian servicemembers and gay people generally. Matlovich was the first named openly gay person to appear on the cover of a U.S. newsmagazine. According to author Randy Shilts, "It marked the first time the young gay movement had made the cover of a major newsweekly. To a movement still struggling for legitimacy, the event was a major turning point." In October 2006, Matlovich was honored by LGBT History Month as a leader in the history of the LGBT community.

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