June is LGBT Pride Month

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During the month of June, the Department of Defense recognizes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Service Members and civilians for their dedicated service to both the DOD mission and to our nation. Pride Month is an occasion that brings the LGBT community together with their family, friends, and allies to take pride in themselves and their many achievements. The theme is “Pride in All Who Serve”.

Throughout history, brave lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen have served and fought for our nation. Their readiness and willingness to serve has made our military stronger and our nation safer. We continue to take great pride in all that these men and women contribute to the DOD and our mission. Their hard work, courage, and sacrifices make them respected members of our diverse DOD family.

Since 1913 when the Army Regulations made identification tags mandatory, our nation’s Service Members have been identified by these tags. The themed poster, created by DEOMI design team, showcases this symbol of patriotism honoring those LGBT members past and present who have fought bravely to protect our nation, ensuring equality for all who call America home.

Diversity is more than race, gender, sexual orientation and ethnicity - it means diversity of thought, ability, background, language, culture, and skill. Diversity and inclusion are readiness imperatives. We rely on our diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise to enable us to address the complex challenges of the global security environment.

During LGBT Pride Month, we celebrate our nation’s rich diversity and renew our enduring commitment to equality for all members of our Department of Defense. Our nation was founded on the principle that the individual has “infinite dignity and worth.”

Pride Month commemorates the events of June 1969 in New York known as the Stonewall riots, which are largely regarded as the beginning of the LGBT rights movement, and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for LGBT Americans.

As we celebrate LGBT Pride Month together, let us take pride in all who step forward to serve our country. All who answer the call to service are doing the noblest thing they can do with their lives: to provide the security for others so they can dream their dreams, raise their children, and live full lives.     Taken from www.deomi.org

Submitted by Dr. Annette Peartree-Mandley, Violence Prevention Integrator and Special Emphasis Program Manager.                         For additional information, please contact annette.mandley@us.af.mil