MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Department of Defense and MacDill Air Force Base joins the nation in paying tribute to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community during the month of June.
DoD Pride has chosen this year’s theme, “Respect, dignity and service. Pride in all who serve.”
The month-long celebration demonstrates how LGBT Americans have strengthened our country.
The Stonewall Riots, also called the Stonewall Uprising, began on June 28, 1969 when New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village in New York City.
The raid sparked a riot among bar patrons and neighborhood residents as police hauled employees and patrons out of the bar. Six days of protests and violent clashes with law enforcement followed.
The Stonewall Riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.
Throughout history, LGBT service members and civilians have bravely served and defended our country. Their commitment to service has made our military stronger and the nation safer.
Diversity is more than race, gender, and ethnicity—it means diversity of thought, ability, background, language, culture and skill.
As we celebrate LGBT Pride Month, let us take PRIDE IN ALL WHO SERVE.
If you would like more information on how to celebrate diversity in your unit please visit the The Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute at www.deomi.org or contact the 6th Air Refueling Wing Equal Opportunity Office (813) 828-3333.