Leonard Matlovich's 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 outspoken manner resulted in articles in The New York Times 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 service members.

Equality Across America reports:
On Saturday, October 10, 2009 – the weekend of the National Equality March for LGBT civil rights – there will be a protest and memorial service honoring Leonard Matlovich, the first openly-gay person to fight the military’s ban on gay people. It will be held at 2pm at the Congressional Cemetary in Washington D.C. READ MORE