Commentary - Pride in uniform

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U.S. Ambassador John V. Roos addresses his guests in his Tokyo home during a reception in honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month on June 4, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Samuel Morse)
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Pride in uniform

Posted 6/28/2012

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Commentary by Tech. Sgt. Samuel Morse
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

6/28/2012 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- Perhaps the phrase, "Have pride in your uniform," evokes flashbacks of basic training or a particularly exacting first sergeant, but in the spirit of National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month, I think we can look at this phrase in a new light.

I'm proud of my nation, my president, my Air Force and my colleagues for giving us the current state of LGBT rights in the United States. As a bisexual service member, being able to put on my uniform and live the core values of integrity, service and excellence to their truest meaning has instilled immeasurable pride in wearing that uniform. The past year has seen some significant changes to LGBT rights as a whole, but no change has been more pivotal to those of us serving in the armed forces than the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" last September.

"Because we repealed 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' gay, lesbian and bisexual Americans can serve their country openly, honestly, and without fear of losing their jobs because of whom they love," said President Barack Obama in his proclamation of LGBT Pride Month for June 2012.

It's hard to imagine the repeal only happened a few short months ago. Life has gained a sense of normalcy I never had thought possible prior to the repeal. Just being able to answer the question of "What did you do for fun this weekend?" openly and honestly is a breath of fresh air.

About two months ago, Tokyo had its first pride parade, which will continue annually. I walked the parade route through Harajuku and Shibuya with 11 other service members from bases around Honshu. I can't begin to describe the feeling of walking with the 2,500-person-strong parade and seeing the 2,000 spectators, Japanese and a few Americans I recognized from base, all cheering us on and waving rainbow flags. Participating in an event like that would have been unimaginable just two years ago.

My pride isn't limited to just the repeal of DADT, though. Obama referred to LGBT rights as simply being human rights, and said his administration continues to engage with the American and international communities to promote and protect those rights.

I attended a reception in honor of LGBT Pride Month at U.S. Ambassador John V. Roos' house in Tokyo on June 4, and I spoke to some of the guests representing LGBT communities from around the world. It was truly eye-opening to see the great variation of acceptance people see depending on where they are born. Countries like Holland have supported LGBT equality since World War I, while other countries still consider homosexuality to be a criminal offense. As our country continues to move forward, I am incredibly thankful to be American, and to live in this age of new possibilities.

So here it is, my "pride in uniform." I'm proud of my government and my commander-in-chief for allowing me to serve openly. I'm proud of my country for fighting for my rights just as much as I fight for theirs. I'm proud of my unit for accepting me for who I am and holding my value as an Airman above my orientation. I'm proud of my LGBT friends for showing honest solidarity as we embrace this new future. I'm proud of the rest of my friends for supporting me through the good times and especially the bad, regardless of their own orientation. Mostly, I'm proud to be a bisexual Airman serving the world's greatest air power.

As the month of June comes to a close, be proud of the fact that we have successfully done what some have said would destroy unit cohesion and morale, while instead strengthening the bonds with our fellow service members though honesty. Be proud of those who came out of the proverbial closet to bravely fight for their rights before it was socially acceptable to do so. And, if you are part of the LGBT community, be proud of who you are, because the only person who can ultimately define your true worth is you.

Comments

7/11/2012 9:28:29 PM ET
This article had nothing to do with pride in uniform. Instead TSgt Morse used his inside connection to this PA medium to educate the uninformed and ignorant masses on LGBT. Well played Sir. LGBT is now a well-ingrained abbreviation in our lexicon.

Jerry, PNW

7/9/2012 6:05:27 PM ET
It is my firm belief that sexual orientation will become a protected category along the same lines of religion. Both in my view are compulsions. A person is compelled to be LGBT just as they are compelled to follow a specific religion. There is a choice to follow or not follow that compulsion but we have no business in trying to force that choice upon people. Having it become a protected category will clear up a great deal of legal red-tape in regards to discrimination.

Capt, US

7/9/2012 11:14:35 AM ET
Here's a thought for everyone here: GET BACK TO WORK!

Working NCO, GA

7/9/2012 10:14:54 AM ET
BZ the repeal of DADT is not aimed at convincing you one way or another on LGBT's offensiveness or lack thereof. What it does do is set a new service standard for how members of that community can and will serve IAW regs. And guess what, you don't have a choice whether or not to accept the policy as long as you're in uniform; that lesson must have been later in OCS. TSgt Morse, those riots have ZERO to do with the AF or the military; celebrate them on your own time. It's nto a judicious use of resources to do any of these pride functions on the mil dime.

JB, VA

7/8/2012 10:22:52 PM ET
Since the question of why pride events exist has come up a few times, I'll throw in a little history. LGBT pride events started with a single event known as the Stonewall Riots. The short version is that the patrons of an LGBT hangout called the Stonewall Inn in NYC rioted in June 1969 after the place was raided by the police. The LGBT community spontaneously decided they'd had enough after years of McCarthy-esque persecution following WWII. A year later, the first pride parade happened simultaneously in NYC, Chicago and Los Angeles. Regardless as to whether the issue is akin to racial discrimination or not, pride events started for the same reasons African-American history celebrations--tipping their hats to Rosa Park's civil disobedience or Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. I hope this gives some perspective. In an ideal world, we wouldn't need LGBT Pride or any other minority recognition. I'd say overall that we have a good discussion going.

TSgt Samuel Morse, Yokota Air Base Japan

7/8/2012 5:40:50 PM ET
Why can't we just go back to the way things were before DADT was repealed life was a lot better for the majority of us.... Oh that's right, let's cater to a few who choose to live differently than us.. because they more important than everyone else...

Jay, Utah

7/8/2012 11:57:48 AM ET
First and foremost. We serve our country and mostly those we put in charge of our country. While we may not agree with what they ask, we must push forward or hang up the uniform.The only thing disturbing about this article to me is not whether the author is gay or lesbian but the emphasis based on bi-sexuality. Where have the ethics in not only our service but our country went to. If it's okay for one to be bisexual or transgender and serve, where will our service end up next.

SUNDEV, DC

7/7/2012 10:55:47 AM ET
Why don't you all just shut up?

SU, USA

7/6/2012 3:19:42 PM ET
Too funny, the editors did it again with my suggestion to modify the airman's creed of I will never leave an Airman behind...think about it...Anyway, I think Jay SMSgt hit the nail on the head. When I was going thru OCS, one of the things they taught us was to make an issue black and white, peel the onion back to make it more clear not shades of gray. So in that respect this is pretty easy. Either you do or do not find the LGBT lifestyle offensive period dot. I do, so any efforts to try and convince me otherwise -- like repealing DADT, not enforcing DOMA, celebrating LGBT pride month -- is a waste of time. I personally don't care what the President, SECAF, CSAF, MAJCOM CC, Wing CC, etc, says. If I find it personally offensive, just because there's a new reg or policy that says I'm supposed to accept it doesn't mean it's going to happen. Why stop there with ridiculous rules and regs? Let's have wife beater Mondays, pink socks Tuesdays, tighty whitey Wednesdays an

BZ IRQ O5, East Coast USA

7/6/2012 12:52:46 PM ET
It's the same as disagreeing with a person for being a woman.@Bravo Romeo Foxtrot MikeNo No No it is not. Males and females do not have a choice what sex they are born. Nor can people pre-decide what color to be. But the fact of the matter is homosexuality is about a choice of BEHAVIOR. As we all know from basic training behavior can be changed and or modified. So please stop with the nonsense of equating homosexuality to civil rights or ethnic background. It's apples and oranges. EVERYTHING living on this planet is catagorized as male and female. It is the natural order of things. Anything outside that natural order is abnormal. Everyone knows that whether they choose to acknowledge it or not. So why celebrate abnormal behavior

Jay SMSgt ret, DC

7/6/2012 12:34:59 PM ET
I am happy they repealed DADT. I am straight but I do not see a need to force my sexuality on my fellow airmen. Who gives a damn what they do in bed anyway If your religon dictates that they will have some punishment for being their sexuality than go on thinking they will be punished. We defend the rights of people across America but we won't defend the rights of our own guys. Please tell me you see something wrong with that. I don't care what airman snuffy does when he heads home just as long as what he does at work is to standard.

Austin, MA

7/6/2012 12:33:54 PM ET
Although I do not agree with the LGBT lifestyle or the repeal of DADT which I guess automatically lables me intolerant and a hater I applaud TSgt Morse for his commentary. It took courage something we despirately lack in just about all segements of society these days. Bottom line is we all need to act like AIRMEN no matter what your religious sexual or other preferences are. I don't care. Keep it out of the workplace and be professional.

Tolerant, DC

7/6/2012 9:29:58 AM ET
JC: DADT did NOT mean that homosexuals could not serve; it meant that they could not serve openly. Therefore, homosexuals who served during DADT and did not come out served with integrity and, most especially, SERVICE BEFORE SELF because they obeyed the law. And to those who say that they are not spewing hate and are just "disagreeing," EO rules now recognizes discrimination of a person based on their sexual preference. That's because we recognize that you are disagreeing with who the person IS, not a choice. It's the same as disagreeing with a person for being a woman. History will look back on these times the same as we do the racial tensions of decades past. Do you want to be associated with the bigots of that time? And this is all coming from a straight, white male.

Bravo Romeo, Foxtrot Mike

7/6/2012 9:19:14 AM ET
BZ, you need to stop fanning the flames here. If it offends you to see a picture of two people embracing, holding hands or sitting together, then you need a reality check. There's nothing tacitly offensive there. Honestly, I don't get it either, but you're not being asked to condone or participate and neither am I. It's someone else's life and if they can serve with core values, then what do I care? Sexuality has ZERO place in the work environment, hetero or homo... to that end come to work, be at work and stop the drama.

JB, VA

7/6/2012 9:13:51 AM ET
TSgt Morse perhaps your article should have stated how nice it is to have the simple things in life that you felt deprived of serving under DADT. More people identify with pictures on a desk than they do your joy at a special reception, a parade or how impressed you are with other countries who've been more accepting than ours historically. Write a unifying piece vs. one that celebrates your differences. Afterall, your post here suggests it's the similarities you were missing under DADT not special recognition.

Eves, SC

7/6/2012 9:12:38 AM ET
@ AF Girlfriend: Did they do anything to warrant their dismissal? Yes, actually they did. They broke the law. Remember that DADT was LAW. What's next? You get pulled over for speeding and you don't think you should get a ticket because you're gay? Plain and simple it was the law. If they did not want to deal with the consequences of breaking the law, then they should not have broken it.

Big Tex, Texas

7/6/2012 8:41:29 AM ET
I think it's funny how any dissenting comments on matters like this are branded hatred. What I see most here is people calling for an end to special recognition and mostly calls to unify as airmen. The difference about the picture of my wife and I on my desk is I don't make big AF.mil posts talking about it. You have the all-clear now, just do it and get on with it. Gena the most intolerant comment on here is yours, no one has stated their service is degraded for having open homosexuality they have said however that it's brought down by segmenting and labling the force. The creed is I am an AMERICAN airman nothing more nothing less.

Common Sense, Denver

7/6/2012 8:14:04 AM ET
So if I find pictures of same-sex couples on someone's desk at work and it offends me, can I file a complaint because it creates a hostile work environment for me? Does that whole reverse workplace discrimination argument seem viable? ..Now where did I put my embracing cultural diversity pills...

BZ IRQ O5, East Coast USA

7/6/2012 8:00:07 AM ET
If you are LGBT and serve after the repeal of DADT, then you are serving your country with honor and integrity. If you were LGBT before the repeal of DADT, I question your integrity and would not trust you now...if you were hiding this what else are you hiding? We Airmen pride ourselves on integrity and if being who you are before DADT was repealed you should have done the right thing and left the service. I'm proud to serve with all airmen and I welcome change in the AF.

JC, DC

7/6/2012 12:54:20 AM ET
I don't see anyone spewing hatred, some people are to quick judge the ones who don't agree with alternative lifestyles. Last time I checked not agreeing with something or someone's ideology doesn't mean hatred, but hey what do I know?

Dane, Colorado

7/6/2012 12:45:59 AM ET
As the author of this commentary I thought I'd throw in a little food for thought in this discussion without necessarily taking a side. Being out doesn't necessarily mean parading down the street wrapped in a rainbow flag dancing to the song YMCA. People make declarations of their sexuality all the time. When you put a photo of your significant other or family on your desk at work, take your spouse to a unit picnic, talk about going to the movies, etc., you've declared your sexuality. With the family focus the US military has, being out can be critical to an Airman's well being. As our creed says, I will never leave an Airman behind.

TSgt Samuel Morse, Yokota AB Japan

7/5/2012 7:03:50 PM ET
I'm disgusted at the hatred and intolerance in these comments. I don't care when you served or what beliefs you have...who are you to judge another person Each person's standards are their own. In the military you agree to follow the military's. If you don't like it please get out and enjoy the civilian life where you can take advantage of all your freedoms. Because in the military we fight for all the freedoms of others while limiting our own.

Gena Armstrong, Osan AB ROK

7/5/2012 5:28:43 PM ET
@Southpaw we get a day 13 August.

Another Lefty, Nellis

7/5/2012 3:50:50 PM ET
I've never felt compelled to publicly announce my pride in being heterosexual. I think that's the difference that everyone is having a hard time understanding. I don't need a parade either I'm good with the anonymity.

Scott, Pluto

7/5/2012 2:27:40 PM ET
How about a left-handed appreciation month? Would that irritate anybody?

Southpaw, USA

7/5/2012 12:00:06 PM ET
I am not saying that service from minority groups is better than service from anyone else. I am saying that service from minority groups can be more difficult due to prejudices against them and we should recognize the fact. I am a particular fan of the Straight White Male video game metaphor to illustrate this point. It is a humorous article that is worth Google-ing. It is worth noting that some people do discriminate against perceived physical indications of homosexuality, be it mannerisms, personal grooming or other factors in their personal version of "gaydar."

Analyst, USAFA

7/5/2012 11:30:10 AM ET
Analyst - I've chosen to defend this country including plenty of people who don't agree with me. Where's my special month? Answer is I don't get one because service entails all those things and doesn't need to be segmented. Your service as a man, woman, homosexual, white, black, hispanic or asian, etc., is no better or worse than anyone else's people need to stop trying to be special.

Whitey, DC

7/5/2012 11:27:09 AM ET
@Analyst - I made no comment on choice or genetics, I said I can't tell looking at you on the street if you're gay or straight. PHYSICAL manifestation aka APPEARANCE does not effect the LGBT community the way it does for descrimination of people based on something overt such as gender or color. Lastly the appreciation and recognition is not for people defending those who hate them it is for service plain and simple. You can stop fanning the flames none of this has anything to do with hate.

Eves, SC

7/5/2012 10:32:48 AM ET
BZ IRQ O5- I cannot wait for the end of DOMA. The federal government has no business telling churches and states which marriages are legitimate. Giving all legal family members is the next logical step. The military has obligations to support member families and you have no business telling me who I can have in my family. Amazed- I hope you are being sarcastic about the mandatory homosexuality. There is a huge difference between letting members have sex with any other consenting adult and mandating that members have sex with others against their wishes. Eves and Dane-Studies are still inconclusive on the topic of choice or genetics. In the end, it does not matter if it is a choice or not. All that matters is that they have chosen to defend this country and those that would hate them for their completely legal relationships. I would say that deserves some recognition.

Analyst, USAFA

7/5/2012 9:58:17 AM ET
Jay SMSgt ret- Actually, the majority of the folks I have talked to have had zero impact from the repeal of DADT and are glad or indifferent to see it gone. If Gen. Amos, one of the biggest opponents of the repeal, was surprised on how smoothly the repeal went, then I think we are ok. RMD- It is not the job of the Air Force to support any one religion over another. The Air Force is not objecting to religion. The Air Force is just not pushing forward with a presumption of Christianity. Try being in a religious minority in the military before you rail on the Air Force for making an atmosphere that is less hostile to non-Christians.

Analyst, USAFA

7/5/2012 7:44:08 AM ET
All you folks that are so supportive of this LGBT recognition you know what's coming next right The Obama administration has already said they're not going to defend the Defense of Marriage Act so that means it's only a matter of time before LBGT couples in the military start demanding BAH with dependents family separation pay etc. I've said it before I've never been so ashamed to wear the uniform. All this steaming pile of embracing cultural diversity they're forcing down our throats is making me choke.

BZ IRQ O5, East Coast USA

7/3/2012 5:15:48 PM ET
DADT worked from personal experience. Now I'm concerned the military has gone overboard on this issue. What will we see next Gay Pride Parades on base We've gone from homosexuality in the military being illegal to being made legal. Just hope it won't be made mandatory.

Amazed, Reality USA

7/3/2012 4:17:54 PM ET
It's all a choice. No different in choosing what clothes to wear or how to manage your anger. I think maybe there should be an article on how to celebrate those who have taken anger management and now are anger control managers.

Dane, Colorado

7/3/2012 10:04:03 AM ET
I think we should be very, very, VERY careful comparing DADT to previous service issues encountered by women and persons of color. The last time I checked there's nothing in our coding that results in a physical manifestation of being LGB... T is probably up for interpretation but irrelevant. Ironically didn't they oust a trainee for having a forked tongue years back Serious question - Regwise how is that different from Transgendered body modification

Eves, SC

7/3/2012 9:26:35 AM ET
Tech. Sgt. Samuel Morse thank you for this commentary. Thank you for expressing what the repeal of DADT has meant for your freedom. So many people don't put forth the time or the effort to make their personal contributions/sacrifices to the Air Force known. This article wasn't just about you being bisexual. I believe it was written to express the struggle of being in forced silence, the opposition of people treating or looking at you differently, the things you have had to face along with the fear of persecution, rudeness, isolation and fear that causes people's mouths, imaginations and bodies to betray the wholeness of our service. When our President said DADT was repealed, then as Airmen as servicemembers it was and IS our responsibility to follow the rules of the law whether they be our personal beliefs or not. As a fellow Airman service member and peer I salute you and your bravery. This couldn't have been easy to write submit review or to listen to the things people have

SrA Editor, JBSA-Randolph

7/3/2012 9:25:33 AM ET
Once, blacks could not serve. Once, women could not serve. Once, LGBTs could not serve. Things changes. TSgt Morse, it is incrediably brave of you to write this, especially knowing some of the horrible comments that were going to be made. Good luck in all your future endevores.

Megan, USAFE

7/3/2012 6:16:12 AM ET
The SMSGT is right, we are being divided rather than coming together. This issue was supposed to blow away in the wind, but instead is being held down with a chain. I thought we were supposed to forget about it.

Test Subject 710121, DOD labs

7/3/2012 4:37:35 AM ET
RETARTED? Really? I see other comments removed, but RETARTED gets by? That's really offensive and should have never made it on an Air Force comment section. Nice work.

Matthew, Aviano AB

7/2/2012 9:38:23 PM ET
So when the Air Force is rapidly removing all reference to religion in EVERYTHING it does, why should I embrace/accept LBGT pride month? Especially the B, they don't know what they want but they have a month. Seems to be veering WAY LEFT. I have absolutely no problems with repealing DADT, if somebody wants to grab a gun and stand post who am I to object. But when the AF policies are dictated by radical fringe objecting to religion, etc, where does that line get drawn?

RMD, Texas

7/2/2012 7:00:54 PM ET
For the troops to be able to answer the question, "What did you do this weekend?" with an honest answer that won't get you discharged is a HUGE burden lifted from the shoulders of our troops. We do things like go to the beach and Disney and church. We volunteer, grill out, go dancing, attend reunions. We are just the same, but with the same-sex partner. That's all. Thank you Mr. President for removing DADT. It was the biggest waste and destroyer ever. It was particularly brilliant to discharge nearly 50 Arabic translators at the time that we entered into a war with Iraq. Did they do anything to warrant the dismissal? No, they were simple homosexual people. As for the poster who wants WHITE MONTH....you have had one since before this country was formed. Learn to share and show some respect towards others.

AF Girlfriend, Jacksonville Florida

7/2/2012 4:24:36 PM ET
If recognizing LGBT for their service and the challenges specifically involved with serving as an LGBT is an attack upon ourselves, then we really need to reconsider our ability to stand up to bullets.@ Analyst - Again, I submit that this adminstration with it's anti-military mindset foisted open gays on the military knowing full well that most servce folks like most Americans find homosexuality perverted. It's my opinion they did this specifically to create divisivness in the ranks.So far between the replies here, Both allowed and censored, and speaking with some of my old troops that are still on duty, it would appear they have succeeded.

Jay SMSgt ret, DC

7/2/2012 2:46:06 PM ET
Jay SMSgt ret- We can acknowledge celebrate and embrace the diversity of our force without dividing it. If recognizing LGBT for their service and the challenges specifically involved with serving as an LGBT is an attack upon ourselves then we really need to reconsider our ability to stand up to bullets.

Analyst, USAFA

7/2/2012 2:27:38 PM ET
@aircrew... retarded means underdeveloped as in your demand for such things is not well thought through. To use the term gay as you suggest would mean to call the idea happy or homosexual when used in it's textbook definitions. I don't know that either is a valid use. Maybe we need a literacy month instead.

JB, VA

7/2/2012 2:24:52 PM ET
There are those that still want to divide our force by attacking them.@ Analyst: I submit that there are those that are attacking our forces by dividing them

Jay SMSgt ret, DC

7/2/2012 1:23:11 PM ET
This is why I do not wear my uniform in public anymore.

Bubba, CO

7/2/2012 1:04:48 PM ET
RETARDED to ask for a white history month. That's extremely insensitive to use that word like that...Just like I shouldn't say that rule is gay.

aircrew, kuwait

7/2/2012 12:21:51 PM ET
Editor's note: This comment was rejected because it did not meet the comment rules. Please review the comment rules, which can be found just above the comment submission form.

Yep, Ft. Carson

7/2/2012 11:54:48 AM ET
We have these months and these moments of recognition largely because of the comments you see here. What's the Simpsons thing about advertising... if you don't watch it it just goes away. This article is harmless misguided but harmless. And personal attacks and retarded demands for white heritage months only serve to show we're not approaching this with honor on any side. Folks when you serve you take orders it's not a debate or democracy. DADT is done and yeah for a while it's gonna seem really special. Thing is no one is asking you to do anything but shut up and work.

JB, VA

7/2/2012 10:18:01 AM ET
BZ IRQ O5- just because your comment was rejected for being a personal attack does not mean that the editors are LGBT or trying to be one sided. They are publishing dissenting comments. All this means is that you got called out for being rude. Everyone else- BZ IRQ O5 is an example of why we still need to recognize different groups of airmen. There are those that still want to divide our force by attacking them.

Analyst, USAFA

7/2/2012 9:14:45 AM ET
@ BZ IRQ the following is taken from the Comment Rules While we encourage an open and back and forth dialog between our site visitors content managers reserve the right to not publish comments that are considered personal attacks or insults. Comment on the SUBJECT of the article and refrain from personal attacks. Not that diffucult. I've seen some some comments on the AF site that are pretty rude so for them to censor your comment it must have been bad.

KR, Sheppard AFB

7/2/2012 5:03:01 AM ET
Only when we stop identifying individuals as different will we truly be an equal and fair Air Force. We don't need to single out the first LGBT First Sergeant or the first female fighter wing commander or the first African-American Chief of Staff. Stop shining a light on these accomplishments and let them stand on their own merit.

Sgt.D, Europe

6/29/2012 11:33:54 PM ET
Editor's note: This comment was rejected because it did not meet the comment rules. Please review the comment rules, which can be found just above the comment submission form.

Garrett, PSAB KSA

6/29/2012 7:03:05 PM ET
The military needs a White Heritage month now since every other group seems to have one.... Oh wait whites cant because that'll be racist.

Pissed of NCO, Somewhere

6/29/2012 5:51:16 PM ET
So my comment was rejected because it was a personal attack against the author huh Well I guess we know they must have some LGBT rainbow warriors working on the editorial staff right Nothing like keeping things one-sided...

BZ IRQ O5, East Coast USA

6/29/2012 3:40:32 PM ET
Only one comment and it was removed because it was a personal attack maybe we haven't grown as much as we would like to think.I am very proud of those who have served in silence for so many years and their ability to serve openly and freely. To my friends who have had to hide who they are for almost 20 years I will galdly stand next to you and cheer for your rights.

DC, BAFB

6/29/2012 12:14:05 PM ET
Back to basics folks this warm hearted well intentioned narrative misses one key point. You aren't a -Bisexual Airman- people aren't -Straight Airmen- -Black Airmen- -White Airmen- -Asian Airmen- etc. You're just Airmen. We recognize diversity as a precurser to the depth of our force it makes us better to realize that demographics don't dictate contributions or value. Be proud to be an Airman and stop trying to segment the force. If your sexuality doesn't define you as a person then it doesn't define you as a subset of being an Airman. If you're truly proud you don't need special qualifiers.

JB, VA

6/29/2012 11:00:44 AM ET
Why is the military hosting events that celebrate someone's sexuality Let's see we celebrate certain races genders ethnicities and now sexual persuasion. I thought once we put on a uniform we are all Airmen. Why does the military do so much to accentuate the differences As we supposedly move to more austere budgets based on sequestration does it make fiscal sense to fund a celebration for every group Or could that money be better spent on base housing pay weapons etc

Ben, VA

6/29/2012 7:37:00 AM ET
Editor's note: This comment was rejected because it was a personal attack against the author. Please review the comment rules, which can be found just above the comment submission form.

BZ IRQ O5, East Coast USA

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