The 1990s: The Deadliest Decade Season 1 Episode 8 Don't Ask Don't Tell

In The 1990s: The Deadliest Decade season 1 episode 8, titled Don't Ask Don't Tell, viewers are transported back to the Clinton administration's controversial 1993 policy that barred openly LGBTQ+ individuals from serving in the military. This episode sheds light on the tragic story of Allen Schindler, a young gay sailor who was brutally beaten to death by his fellow sailors aboard the USS Belleau Wood in Japan in 1992.

The episode begins with a look at the political climate of the time, with President Bill Clinton attempting to find a middle ground between those who strongly opposed allowing openly LGBTQ+ individuals to serve in the military and those who believed it was a basic human right. As a compromise, Clinton announced the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy, which allowed LGBTQ+ individuals to serve in the military as long as they kept their sexual orientation private.

However, the policy did little to protect LGBTQ+ service members from discrimination or violence. Allen Schindler, a 22-year-old Navy Seaman from Chicago, was stationed in Japan in 1992 when he was brutally beaten to death by two of his fellow sailors who believed he was gay. The episode explores the details of the investigation and trial that followed, showing interviews with Allen's family members, friends, and former shipmates who were stationed with him at the time.

Viewers see that Allen was well-liked and respected by his fellow sailors, but he was also bullied and harassed because of his perceived sexual orientation. Even though he kept his personal life private, rumors began to circulate that he was gay, and his fellow sailors began to treat him differently. Two of his shipmates, Terry M. Helvey and Charles Vins, ultimately took matters into their own hands and brutally beat Schindler to death in the ship's bathroom.

The episode delves into the investigation that followed, showing how the Navy tried to downplay the incident and cover up the fact that Schindler was targeted because of his sexual orientation. It also explores the impact of Allen's death on his family and the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting how his death became a symbol of the injustices LGBTQ+ individuals faced in the military and helped to galvanize support for overturning Don't Ask Don't Tell.

Throughout the episode, viewers also hear from LGBTQ+ veterans who served during the 1990s, shedding light on the discrimination and harassment they faced while serving our country. The episode ends with a look at the efforts to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell and the ultimate victory in 2010 when President Barack Obama signed legislation allowing openly LGBTQ+ individuals to serve in the military.

Overall, The 1990s: The Deadliest Decade season 1 episode 8 offers a poignant and thought-provoking look at a tragic event that had a profound impact on both the military and the LGBTQ+ community. It shines a light on the injustices and prejudice that were prevalent during this time and highlights the courage of those who fought for equality and justice for all.