“It is appropriate and gratifying that Secretary Hagel and his
leadership team would follow the historic precedent set last year by
then-Secretary Leon Panetta by designating June as LGBT Pride Month for
the Department of Defense. Acknowledging the accomplishments and
contributions of lesbian, gay, and bisexual service members sends an
important message all the way down the chain of command: that our
military is stronger, and our nation safer, because it includes them,”
said Robinson.
While acknowledging transgender civilian DOD employees, the memorandum
notably omits any mention of the contributions of transgender people in
uniform – presumably because transgender people remain barred from
service by outdated and obsolete medical regulations. Robinson called
out the omission.
“Transgender people have served this nation with pride, honor, and
distinction – and continue to do so in the hundreds, if not thousands.
It’s past time to honor them for their service and sacrifice, and past
time to end the discredited and obsolete practice of forcing them to
serve in silence and fear,” said Robinson.
OutServe-SLDN members and supporters will be participating in more than
twenty LGBT Pride events around the world this summer. For more
information on the OS-SLDN Pride Celebration,click here.
