Matlovich was the first gay service member to fight the ban on gays in the military, and perhaps the best-known 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 Timemagazine, making him a symbol for thousands of gay and lesbian servicemembers and gays generally.[1] In October 2006, Matlovich was honored by GLBT History Month as a leader in the history of the GLBT community.
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