This Memorial day let’s take a moment to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Without their courage and valor we would most certainly not have the freedoms we enjoy today.

But for the LGBT servicemembers who also gave their lives, their service and sacrifice are seldom recognized in the context of who they were. Today I would like to extend a special tribute and thanks to them, for serving in a military and protecting a nation that would so often prefer they did not exist.

Last year I created the Worthy of Sacrifice Project to capture the stories of the LGBT servicemembers who served but never came home, as told by the families, friends and partners they left behind. It was my intention to document those stories ensure that those who served were never forgotten, and to show their sacrifice was no less worthy because of who they were and who they loved.

If you have a story to share, or know someone who does, please visit: WorthyofSacrifice.org