LGBTQ PRIDE doesn't end in June

2021-07-19T16:47:41-04:00

PRIDE Month may have ended in June, but I reflect on the incredible gift that occurred five years ago.
Five years ago, the Secretary of Defense Ash Carter stepped to the podium and announced open service for transgender individuals. I cried. Big crocodile tears. I was so overwhelmed with the breakthrough of freedom at that moment.

In an instant, I no longer had to hide. I no longer had to fear who might find out my secret. To whom can I trust this? What about my kids and might they inadvertently say something innocently to a friend, and in that innocence, end my career? When I was investigated for my security clearance, the investigator and I danced around whether or not I would reveal this (at the time) career-ending information in order to be honest. I did and waited with fear, apprehension, and uncertainty. As it turned out, in that case, my fears were unfounded - yes, the investigation had sussed out my secret, but to answer whether I could be blackmailed with that secret, they were satisfied that I could not.

Five years.

With that announcement, everything got easy, right? Certainly! and... no. In some ways, it became more difficult. I went from one of a crowd to an example. There were standards, and then there were standards to ensure that I didn't let my transgender advocates and comrades down. That I didn't lend voice to vile rumors and lies about the capability of transgender individuals to serve their country.

I had no way to know that in just thirteen months, I and all of my fellow transgender Servicemembers would be 'fired' by my Commander-in-Chief. By Tweet. I remember how that felt in a campground deep in rural Minnesota as I learned that the fear was back. Did I have a job? Did I have a future? What awaited me when I returned from vacation?

And so that hung out there... those of us already 'out' were allowed to hang on to our jobs, while no more could come in. The message to the Force was clear - just wait, and eventually, they'll all be gone.
A few years later, I still had my job. Not everyone did, including one notable superior.

Lawsuits were filed. Policies argued. Targets felt clearly upon one's back, and in some cases, even more assuredly on one's forehead. Hatred was given permission. It became *more* of a struggle to be out in the hostility than perhaps it had been to be closeted in the first place.

Which fear is more gripping?

And then, open service was restored. First, by Executive Order 14004. That was a magnificent day. It was an amazing feeling, and Servicemembers know this, to *know* that your leadership 'has your six'. Over the ensuing months, the policies were developed, and soon, by June 2021, we were able to successfully return to where we'd started - five years previous.

In that time, I have made many more connections, grown in my personal and professional lives, and my area of influence has grown demonstrably. I've developed a new sense of mission to ensure that as my time in the military comes to an end, that those who follow behind me will have fewer issues and be more able to concentrate on the mission embedded in our oath - "to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."

I couldn't be prouder.

https://www.c-span.org/video/?412040-1/defense-secretary-ashton-carter-lifts-ban-transgender-service-members

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter Lifts Ban on Transgender Service Members

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced the U.S. military would allow transgender members to serve openly in all positions, including front-line ones involving combat. Additionally, Secretary Carter said health services for transgender soldiers and other workers would be fully covered under the Pentagon's health care plans.

Response by SrA Michele Burgman made Jul 20 at 2021 9:05 AM

2021-07-20T09:05:13-04:00

For somebody who claimed bone spurs to avoid service, he sure had some nerve telling those that do want to serve, that they have no right...and he's supposed to be pro military. :/

Response by SrA John Monette made Jul 20 at 2021 12:38 PM

2021-07-20T12:38:07-04:00

well put SSG Alleria Stanley

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2021 1:38 PM

2021-07-20T13:38:21-04:00

Must respectfully disagree. I don't disrespect transgenders but many questions come to mind like if they're fit for duty-especially combat and if they are serving for the right reason. I've heard that there are people joining up to get a free sex change from the government and getting out after 3-4 years while being non-deployable almost the whole time.
Just sharing a thought not looking to start an argument. Again I say this respectfully

Response by SPC David Batterson made Jul 20 at 2021 4:20 PM

2021-07-20T16:20:20-04:00

I salute you, SSG Stanley. I was obviously not "out" in the Army (back in 1966-68). Nobody was. But I knew gay soldiers there, of course. Some worked in the mess hall, others in admin (like me), one was personal aide to the 2nd AD HQ commanding General, and some were career sergeants. I suspected that some commissioned officers wee secretly gay. It's better times now, and a diverse military is a more cohesive military.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2021 4:27 PM

2021-07-21T16:27:23-04:00

Crocodile tears means fake crying. Not saying this to be a jerk, I would want to be corrected.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2021 10:54 AM

2021-07-24T10:54:35-04:00

I'm not big on celebrations in general (birthdays, something-months, etc.) but I'm glad that we celebrate this throughout the DoD now. It not only serves as an endorsement by the organization - a public affirmation of sorts - that the official position on this has changed and that our LGBT members are finally valued for their work and skills, but it also has a significant impact on readiness. I know that my performance suffers when I'm dealing with something like dehydration, a busted finger, stress at home, or a sprained ligament... but I can only imagine how pathetic all of that is when contrasted with having to hide a big part of your personality from your peers and supervisors for fear of it impacting not only your career, but also your life. How distracting must that be? How detracting from everything? I've seen several Airmen (and one soldier) really make positive and aggressive growth now that they aren't afraid to be themselves. If something so simple as rainbow flags and supportive messages (celebration) around our base helps us amend decades of confusing policies and discrimination, pushes us all towards a more inclusive culture, and allows for them to be and do their best, I'm all for it - and we all should be.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2021 12:05 PM

2021-07-29T12:05:14-04:00

I don't get it, but if it makes you happy: Congratulation!

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jul 29 at 2021 11:53 PM

2021-07-29T23:53:30-04:00

One of the things I have never understood is why transgenders feel the need to announce to the world they are trans. If you are a dude that wants to be a woman or vice versa, just do it. It is none of my business unless I am taking care of you at a hospital. I can guarantee you will never know if I started life off as a boy or a girl...

Response by SSgt Salvador Martinez made Aug 1 at 2021 9:47 PM

2021-08-01T21:47:20-04:00

Just dont push the lifestyle onto others. At the end of the day, the enemy doesnt give a crap.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Aug 2 at 2021 10:32 PM

2021-08-02T22:32:48-04:00

What month is it where people of no specific nationality, sect, race, gender, cause, religion, etc can celebrate just being Americans?

Response by SPC Kevin McMurtury made Aug 13 at 2021 10:38 AM

2021-08-13T10:38:03-04:00

Terrible

Response by CW4 Wayne Walusiak made Aug 16 at 2021 11:22 PM

2021-08-16T23:22:41-04:00

Having served many years and now retired - going back to Vietnam in a helicopter gunship, I served with individuals of varied backgrounds are sexual preferences as well as all the races. Ascribing to Heinlein - "I dont care what you do with your plumbing, as long as you do your job..." When that changes and the personal foibles of a person or group of people interfere with the mission, then it doesn't belong in the mix. The goal of the military is to kill people and break things in wartime. A peacetime military has less to do and all sorts of social issues present themselves, ie, when the first Gulf War came along, service members were whining and crying about being deployed - they joined up for the bennies and didnt want to leave 'home' to do their jobs - tough!
Guess what? The bennies are that, they are not the JOB. If you have a medical condition - as being HIV positive as was during my service term - you were NOT deployable. If in a combat slot, you were moved into a non-combat one.
Needing special meds each day to maintain your gender makes you UNdeployable. Getting an operation also takes you out of the loop for how long? I dont know but it sure isnt a week or so. Add to that all the counseling and readjusting to life will take some time. THAT is why the last President decided to keep the military mission 100% combat oriented. He also had members of the LGBTQ community on his staff and in his administration.
If in a combat zone and supplies get cut off, or your unit gets cut off, or you get shot down, you will get sick when the meds run out. Now what? You think our current enemies will be sympathetic towards you?
YOU are then a BURDEN on your fellow service members. If the current administration wants to guarantee meds then they are taking that responsibility. I wish you the best with that, it's a tough row to hoe, fraught with many physical, emotional and social hurdles.
Joining the military to JUST get special operations is not what the military is designed to accommodate. It takes funds away from service members and families and veterans medical care.
I have family members and extended family members that include; gay, lesbian, bisexual, transdgender and 'muliti-gender' - am not sure what they are talking about yet with the last one.
I love them all.
The mission of defense of the country comes first. If you let anyone or any group influence you to the contrary- then you've lost sight of the real mission. Without this country there is no freedom anywhere in the world.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2021 3:31 PM

2021-08-28T15:31:39-04:00

You know what's funny, is when I was growing up groups didnt need special months, days or years.

It was just allowed. Nowadays, every group thinks they need special treatment.

I have no cares in the world about how people live their lives. However I do take offense to when its showed down my throat 24/7, no pun intended.

Why is it considered racist nowadays for white people to be proud of their heritage. I'm scottish and swiss( look up the origin of my last name) amd we dont ask for a certain month or day.

If we did it would be considered racist....such a sad state we live in these days.

Response by PO1 Wayne Sasser made Sep 6 at 2021 10:32 PM

2021-09-06T22:32:49-04:00

This program reminds me of giving trophies and awards to everyone who shows up. You know like the little league. When will adults act like adults.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 4:45 PM

2021-09-18T16:45:49-04:00

I dont agree with elevating one group of people over another. It’s a slippery slope.

Response by CSM Tim Bebus made Sep 19 at 2021 11:58 PM

2021-09-19T23:58:13-04:00

The military isn't a place for social experiments. I don't want anyone to serve openly homosexual anymore then I want them to openly serve heterosexual.

Response by CDR Mick Rankin made Nov 22 at 2021 3:54 PM

2021-11-22T15:54:24-05:00

If you are proud, great everyone should be proud of who you are. As for the policy, if you think it was a put there to be more inclusive you are sadly mistaken. It was purely political and nothing to do with helping anyone except them to get more votes. No policy or procedures in place to take care of uniform, berthing, healthcare, or myriad of other issues facing a unique community is a terrible way to treat people. Had senior military or political leadership really cared they would have developed a plan to integrate that allowed individuals to serve and grow. They did not. I am not happy with both instances, but I would rather we halted until we could truly take care of our people instead just making some political statement.

Response by PFC Roland Farmer made Nov 24 at 2021 11:38 PM

2021-11-24T23:38:15-05:00

What business does the United States government, or the Armed Forces, have celebrating what God calls sexual perversion??? I am not a hater. I love people, but I do not love or tolerate the June 'celebration' of lesbianism, male sodomy, cross dressing, or any of the other alphabetically manufactured substitutes for what God established in His word. God hates pride. In fact, He said in Proverbs 16:18 that "Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." Is that what our government wants for these people? Destruction? A fall into worse sin? Our government needs to wake up and get real!!

Response by CSM Lawrence Ruley made Nov 26 at 2021 4:51 PM

2021-11-26T16:51:20-05:00

Four Hidden Dynasties! Political, Economical, Educational, and Religious system are being used by Satan. Kind of funny to see how many just rolled over to Satan instead of standing up to what's right. But we are living in a time where that which is wrong is right and that which is wrong is right!

Response by PFC Roland Farmer made Nov 26 at 2021 10:39 PM

2021-11-26T22:39:47-05:00

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18. The one, true, loving God gives fair warning about pride, and the whole issue at hand.

Response by SGT Thomas Seward made Nov 27 at 2021 10:49 AM

2021-11-27T10:49:13-05:00

He was 6 feet tall and had an athlete’s build. He played football in high school and was active in sports throughout college. He spent one summer as a lifeguard at a local pool.

But after he graduated college in the spring of 1968 and became eligible for the draft and —possibly — combat duty in Vietnam, he received a diagnosis that let him avoid military service.

No, not bone spurs. Asthma.

And his name was Joe Biden.

Just a few months before President Donald Trump received his now-infamous diagnosis of “bone spurs in the heels,” former high school football star Biden got the same 1-Y draft deferment for “asthma as a teenager.” It was one of five deferments Biden received.

https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Biden-deferred-disqualified-from-Vietnam-duty-3196927.php?fbclid=IwAR3hTeB_8fqHpbgWUYPQ7z1ytouGdaFabV3GsRIFh9wyDIzYHXK7PoSqcUI

Biden deferred, disqualified from Vietnam duty

According to the documents, Biden, 65, received several deferments while he was an...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2021 10:56 AM

2021-12-13T10:56:13-05:00

So tired of each month having a celebration for some group of people.. just celebrate being an American. Stop segregating. When is European American month?? Hmm.. forcing your heritage or pride onto others is too much. We know all our blood lines are different. Big deal.
We've gotten too far away from who we actually are...RED BLOODED AMERICANS.

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Jan 18 at 2022 10:35 AM

2022-01-18T10:35:45-05:00

Such a holiday only has meaning to those that elevate it. Many people see it as a mechanism that is a casus belli trying to usurp the air in the room...

Response by SPC John Williams made Jan 18 at 2022 11:18 AM

2022-01-18T11:18:22-05:00

Ones sexual orientation is not a thing to be proud of.

Response by SSgt Salvador Martinez made Apr 4 at 2022 10:36 AM

2022-04-04T10:36:18-04:00

I don't care what anyone says. This shows weakness. What a joke! no one cares about what you do behind closed doors. Can you do your job so others can do their job? Win wars?

Response by SSG Jim Schimon made Apr 12 at 2022 9:12 AM

2022-04-12T09:12:35-04:00

I am old school .I feel if you don't have a clue if your a man or a woman .Get a blood test and your cromeazones will answer .If you need help up top or not .If we can tell what sex mummy's were what the heck .Follow the science . I no from animals if they are a morfadite they can't reproduce. Heck I am a woman in a mans body but I am also so a lesbian .Oh ya that would mean I want to bunk with woman . This is a way of saying I am cool now . But I am straight .Our enemys have won already if we don't even know what men and women is . This is silly

Response by SPC Russ Burghorn made May 7 at 2022 7:54 PM

2022-05-07T19:54:20-04:00

total bunk! I quit rally point and can never support this crap!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2022 7:10 PM

2022-05-17T19:10:14-04:00

What my opinion has been for the entirety of my career is the following:

Can an individual meet the standards and do the job? If the answer is yes, then they can join or stay in. If the answer is no, they cannot join or must separate. I feel that this crosses all political, religious, orientation, gender, age, (etc) spectra.

Response by SSG Jack Scott made May 17 at 2022 7:51 PM

2022-05-17T19:51:44-04:00

Celebrating a small groups sexuality doesn’t do a damn thing to improve Military Readiness! The only flag that that should be displayed on Base is the American Flag as it represents all Americans!

Response by SGT Jimmy Moon made Jun 5 at 2022 8:34 AM

2022-06-05T08:34:05-04:00

Sad times when we brag on perverts in the service. But this is the end times. Believe it or not.

Response by PFC Brian Summerfield made Jun 7 at 2022 4:38 AM

2022-06-07T04:38:30-04:00

I think its great i served my time just like everyone of you did i served my time constantly being harased for being "different"

Response by Cpl Rosemarie SantaAnna made Jun 13 at 2022 1:22 PM

2022-06-13T13:22:59-04:00

Sad mindset!… Use of Government money!…. Put them out in front line for 1 year before allowing them Mental testing for sex change adjustment… Really now working with PAY, if darn sure wants & not Only NEED change, it’s worth them paying for it OUT of their Finances not People Taxes!…

Response by PFC Larry Repass made Jun 15 at 2022 10:47 PM

2022-06-15T22:47:44-04:00

It is terrific to see that the LGBTQ individuals are becoming more accepted to serve in the military with equal rights for all.

Response by SPC Shelby Kline made Jun 30 at 2022 4:31 PM

2022-06-30T16:31:50-04:00

You have no idea what you're talking about. Crocodile tears are fake tears, yet you used that phrase to describe your tears of joy?

I'd say I'm confused, but clearly I'm not so confused that it's making me want to chop my dick off and call myself Sally. People with gender dysphoria need therapy, not surgery. Like it or not, you either have a Y chromosome or you don't.

Response by PO1 Sam Deel made Jul 31 at 2022 11:54 PM

2022-07-31T23:54:13-04:00

Well then, give June back so that some other group can have their turn.

Response by PFC Michelle Gauthier made Aug 2 at 2022 12:08 AM

2022-08-02T00:08:53-04:00

I you are one of predominant MtF clients, to be successful woman whit is serious and commited, you just have to follow one rule. Here it is:
Every Woman Should Read These 30 Rules For Godly Women
1. Never raise your voice for any reason to your husband. Its a sign of disrespect. (Proverbs 15.1)

2. Don't expose your husband's weaknesses to your family and friends. It will bounce back at you.You are each other's keeper. (Ephesians 5:12)

3. Never use attitudes and moods to communicate to your husband, you never know how your husband will interpret them. Defensive women don't have a happy home. (Proverbs 15:13)

4. Never compare your husband to other men, you've no idea what their life is all about. If you attack his Ego, his Love for you will diminish.

5. Never ill treat your husband's friends because you don't like them, the person who's supposed to get rid of them is your husband. (Proverbs 11:22)

6. Never forget that your husband married you, not your maid or anyone else. Do your duties.(Genesis 2:24)

7. Never assign anyone to give attention to your husband, people may do everything else but your husband is your own responsibility. (Ephesians 5:33)

Every Woman Should Read These 30 Rules For Godly Women
8. Never blame your husband if he comes back home empty handed. Rather encourage him. (Deuteronomy 3:28)

9. Never be a wasteful wife, your husband's sweat is too precious to be wasted.

10. Never pretend to be sick for the purpose of denying your husband sex. (SS 7:12)

11. Never compare your husband to your one time sex mate in bedroom, or an Ex-lover. Your home may Never recover from it if you do. (SS 5:9)

12. Never answer for your husband in public opinion polls, let him handle what is directed to him although he may answer for you in public opinion polls.(Proverbs 31:23)

13. Never shout or challenge your husband in front of children. Wise Women don't do that. (Ephesians 4:31)

14. Don't forget to check the smartness of your husband before he checks out. (Proverbs 12:4)

15. Never allow your friends to be too close to your husband.

16. Never be in a hurry in the bathroom and on the dressing table. Out there your husband is always surrounded by women who took their time on their looks. ( 1 Samuel 25:3)

17. Your parents or family or friends do not have the final say in your marriage. Don't waste your time looking up to them for a final word. You must Leave if you want to Cleave. (Luke 21:16)

18. Never base your love on monetary things. Will you still submit to him even if you earn more money than him?

19. Don't forget that husbands want attention and good listeners, never be too busy for him. Good communication is the bed rock of every happy home. (Galatians 6:9)

20. If your idea worked better than his, never compare yourself to him. Its always teamwork.(Galatians 6:10)

21. Don't be too judgmental to your husband. No man wants a Nagging wife. (Ephisians 4:29)

22. A lazy wife is a careless wife. She doesn't even know that her body needs a bath. (Proverbs 24:27 and Proverbs 20:13)

23. Does your husband like a kind of cooked food? Try to change your cooking. No man jokes with food. (Prov 31:14)

24. Never be too demanding to your husband, enjoy every moment, resource as it comes. (Luke 11:3)
25. Make a glass of water the very first welcome to your husband and everyone entering your home. Sweetness of attitude is true beauty. (Proverbs 31:11)

26. Don't associate with women who have a wrong mental attitude about marriage. (Proverbs 22:14)

27. Your marriage is as valuable to you as the value that you give it. Recklessness is unacceptable.(Hebrews 13:4)

28. Fruit of the womb is a blessing from the Lord, love your children and teach them well. (Proverbs 22:6)

29. You are never too old to influence your home. Never reduce your care for your family for any reason. (Proverbs 31:28)

30. A prayerful wife is a better equipped wife, pray always for your husband and family (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Have a lovely day ... God bless you all!
This is the minimum of what is expected of a cis woman.

Response by SPC Steven Nihipali made Aug 14 at 2022 7:45 PM

2022-08-14T19:45:48-04:00

Fuck it... Yes it does. Veterans, military, etc get 2 days a year. You fuckers claim a whole fucking month. Talking about equality? LGBT does what for the world but cause confusion and wreak havoc on societies without justification. Science, debunked, emotional debunked, personal feelings debunked... Nothing LGBT whatever is normal or makes sense. Just another reason to cry about the stupid shit you don't like. What about my feelings? What about my rights as a person of Polynesian decent? Fuck your "rights" bullshit. Life isn't fair.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2022 4:46 PM

2022-08-20T16:46:59-04:00

Yawn…

Response by CAPT Edward Schmitt made Sep 2 at 2022 8:19 PM

2022-09-02T20:19:27-04:00

So what is important to SSG Stanley is sexual preference instead of competence, ability, training, unit cohesion. Next war we will loose lots of people who know pronouns but can't do their job

Response by SSG Jack Scott made Sep 2 at 2022 11:14 PM

2022-09-02T23:14:32-04:00

I am a super straight White male who only loves Irish ancestry redheaded freckled women who are blessed with big lungs like my wife! I demand an entire month of St. Patrick’s Month to Celebrate my orientation! And my Irish Flags displayed everywhere to celebrate my pride!

Response by Cpl Rosemarie SantaAnna made Sep 11 at 2022 12:51 PM

2022-09-11T12:51:56-04:00

I do Not stand for LGBT groups!…
Can’t Force people to Approve your Lifestyle!…
You Can’t accept my Chosen lifestyle!..

Response by MSG Tim Walden made Oct 18 at 2022 6:26 PM

2022-10-18T18:26:03-04:00

Sorry to break it to you as the truth often hurts. There is no such thing as transgender. DNA, hormones, and Chromosomes can’t transition. What does that leave you with? Mental illness and body mutilation. Truth is truth folks.

Response by MSG Tim Walden made Oct 18 at 2022 6:29 PM

2022-10-18T18:29:19-04:00

Again, there is no such thing as transgender. It is a mental illness. DNA, Chromosomes, genes, and hormones can’t transition. What does that leave you with? Mental illness and body mutilation, no more, no less. Let’s try to be honest for once.

Response by Sgt Jake Middlebrook made Nov 19 at 2022 12:36 PM

2022-11-19T12:36:30-05:00

I fully accept that around 0.3% of people sincerely believe they were born in the wrong body. I see no reason to treat these individuals badly. As a matter of courtesy I will address them by their preferred name and use the usual pronouns I would use for a person in dressed as they are. What I do not accept is that I should join in their delusion. That I should celebrate their delusion or their pride in it. I especially object to transgender individuals being allowed to compete in sports with biological females and access to bathrooms, dressing rooms etc on the basis of their delusion. It is in my mind one thing to accept people as they are, members of different races, religions and genders. It is another matter entirely especially in the military to give people special privilege's on the basis of who/what they are. It would not be acceptable to force everyone to learn to speak Spanish because one member of the organization is Mexican. I could well have some street corn with him and buy him a beer on Cinco de Mayo sharing a little pride in his heritage and his culture but expecting me to pretend to be a Mexican all the time is an insult to my heritage and my culture as is expecting me to pretend anyone is something they are not.

Response by PVT Ethan Porter made Nov 29 at 2022 1:33 PM

2022-11-29T13:33:16-05:00

Next we should allow the schizophrenics and paranoid psychotics to serve

Response by PV2 Daniel Soper made Dec 4 at 2022 4:08 PM

2022-12-04T16:08:55-05:00

WE ARE LAUGHING STOCK TO OUR ENEMIES !!! How about cutting all the bullshit and get back to being the Badasses we're supposed to be !! When it comes to defending your country.. who gives a shit about your feelings !!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2022 8:09 PM

2022-12-10T20:09:00-05:00

The military is not an equal opportunity employer. The original post proves the argument that the lives of people with gender dysphoria revolve around their personal issues. So much so, that they must force everyone to accept their lifestyles to make them feel better about themselves. Even to the point of grooming children which makes them psychologically unstable.

The medical “treatments” only serve to make them weaker psychologically and physically which is not compatible with military service.

Response by Sgt Daniel Garner made Apr 3 at 2023 4:22 PM

2023-04-03T16:22:06-04:00

I see these people who claim to be anything except what they were born to be as people with demons and mental health issues. Plenty of people leave the military with mental issues, do we really need people starting their service with known issues? Pride month is a facade of political gain and is truly nothing to be proud about. It’s all about being accepted for who they are but they put targets on their own backs. I get that they are tired of being outcasts or bullied and the people who bully are wrong as well. There are going to be bullies everywhere and the military is not going to be a safe zone for those who want everyone to know just how different they are. I could care less about people sexual orientation until they put it in my face. Keep your sexual immorality to yourselves. This is literally a month for people to brag about how guys like to take it up the butt and girls that like to carpet munch. A pride of sexual perversion, it makes no sense whatsoever.