Each and every one of us has a story to tell about these milestones.
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This year’s celebration is particularly important because we’re celebrating two significant milestones, 10 years since the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and the end of the transgender ban. This event is an opportunity for the entire DoD community to come together and celebrate the great diversity of the American people and the enormous contributions LGBTQ service members and civilians around the world make in defense of this great nation. This year’s ceremony is a little different due to COVID restrictions, but we’re so thankful that we can have a small audience here in the Pentagon and a much larger one joining us along on the web as we celebrate Pride Month. DoD Pride is comprised of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer civilians, service members, contractors, family members, and allies to the LGBTQ+ community. Thank you.Īs the Chair of DoD Pride, I’d like to welcome everyone here in the Pentagon auditorium, and those who are joining us virtually around the world. Those assembled can surely take comfort and draw strength from the affirming message you have for us all here today. And Chaplain Schaick, thank you so much for being here today with us. Please be seated and please join me in giving Staff Sergeant Tomlin around of applause for that wonderful rendition of our National Anthem. John, who said, “Friends, friends, since God went to such length to love us, we also ought to love one another.” And so we pray you smile upon this gathering and encourage my LGBT colleagues, for I pray in the name of the one from whom all blessings flow. We ask that you strengthen those who struggle for acceptance. We thank you that throughout history, you used the LGBT community to strengthen our nation’s defense and broaden diversity while adding a touch of creativity, joy, and celebration to all things. And so we thank you for this opportunity to celebrate the essential contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities to our Department of Defense. Forgive me and others like me from a past void of inclusivity, for respect will always be the purest form of love. I’ve tolerated smugness over decency and arrogance over grace. I confess that I’ve let pomposity overshadow your righteousness. Gracious God, as a heterosexual male, I have some confessing to do. Thank you for the great privilege of being here this morning and participating in this important event.
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Please continue to remain standing for the singing of the National Anthem by Staff Sergeant Kyle Tomlin and the Invocation by Chaplain Major General Steven Schaick.
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Space Force, Major General Leah Lauderback and the 21st Company Officer at the U.S. I’m the Director of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance of the U.S.