Leonard Matlovich Grave Heritage in Washington DC – GayOut Guide
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Leonard Matlovich Grave

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Address
Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

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About this place Leonard Matlovich Grave

In Congressional Cemetery, a black granite headstone bears no name. It reads: "A Gay Vietnam Veteran," and beneath it: "When I was in the military, they gave me a medal for killing two men, and a discharge for loving one." The grave belongs to Technical Sergeant Leonard Matlovich — Purple Heart, Bronze Star — who in 1975 became the public face of the fight against the military's gay ban when he appeared on the cover of Time under the headline "I Am a Homosexual." It was one of the most visible acts of coming out in American history. He fought his discharge through the courts for years, and died of AIDS complications on June 22, 1988, at 44. Matlovich designed the stone himself, deliberately nameless so it would stand for every gay and lesbian service member, and chose mirror-polished granite echoing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, with two pink triangles. His 1984 purchase of the plot — pointedly near J. Edgar Hoover's grave — seeded what has become known as the cemetery's 'gay corner,' the world's only intentional LGBT burial section, where activists and veterans have chosen to rest ever since. Wreath-layings and LGBTQ veteran commemorations happen here annually. Visiting: Congressional Cemetery's grounds are free and open daily 7am-7pm; the grave is at Range 20, Site 161N, a short walk from the 1801 E Street SE gate, and the cemetery publishes a self-guided LGBTQ+ walking tour that includes it. This is an active cemetery and a place of remembrance — visit accordingly.

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4.7
★★★★★
102 reviews

Based on 102 Google reviews.

drapen &
drapen & Jul 2026
★★★★★

I took the introductory tour, very informative. It’s a beautiful place full of DC history.

Dave Harlan
Dave Harlan Jul 2026
★★★★★

I like cemeteries and have visited many. This one is lovely with a good location, lots of interesting monuments, and good paths and infrastructure. Unfortunately, it’s not being well maintained. I spotted lots of tumbled headstones, the grass needed mowing, and foot traffic is wearing paths that should probably be made permanent. I think the neglect is recent and can hopefully be corrected soon.

Susan
Susan Jun 2026
★★★★★

Working with Congressional Cemetery’s -newer management - was a dream. Just bought an 8-person (cremation) plot in the more affordable section and working with Lisa was so easy. This cemetery is historic - and “alive” with activities bringing the community together. Highly rec if you are considering purchasing a plot.

Lauryn Franzoni
Lauryn Franzoni May 2026
★★★★★
Svetlana Ko
Svetlana Ko May 2026
★★★★★

It's more of a park than a cemetery. There are dog passes. Inside, there are plenty of benches and water stations, as well as stands for dog owners with bags. It's a quiet, peaceful place, and when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, there are no crowds. They bloom here two weeks later than on the National Mall.

Tony A.
Tony A. Mar 2026
★★★★★

Great hidden gem for locals to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It's also an amazing dog park as well oddly enough. There is a fee to bring your dog at a daily rate or you can get a seasonal pass which is much more cost effective. The funds go to help preserve this area which had gone through an extended period of neglect and is now returned to be a wonderful place to visit. Highly recommend coming during the cherry blossoms or on a nice sunny day. Almost forgot to mention that President Herbert Hoover is here as well.

Gabriella Indigo
Gabriella Indigo Mar 2026
★★★★★

Love coming here with my pup and have a peaceful stroll.

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Last updated on 28 September 2026

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