Sergeant Perry Watkins, a decorated US Army veteran, was discharged in 1981 after 15 years of service due to his admission of being gay. Despite acknowledging his sexuality during previous re-enlistments, the Army initially revoked his security clearance, prompting Watkins to file a court case. A landmark decision by the Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals on May 3, 2023, ruled 7-4 in his favor, based on equitable estoppel, allowing his reinstatement. Watkins' case highlights the flawed military regulation against gay service members and underscores the broader struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the military.