DOD LGBT History Day Recognition - All other
minorities get a history day, week, and/or month. The LGBT
community does not, and should at minimum get one to explain openly
and honestly the history of Pride. The commercial media has
misaligned Pride.
The first gay pride parade in 1969, known as the March on
Stonewall, started as a protest against discrimination and violence
against gays in New York City. Today, pride events have become an
annual ritual and have grown to include thousands of gay and
gay-friendly participants, not to mention hundreds of spectators.
Many gays and lesbians dress in bright colors, head-to-toe leather
or sometimes next to nothing. But regardless of the attire, all of
the participants join the festivities to remind the world that gays
deserve the same rights as others and people should be free to live
their own lifestyle, void of judgment or hate. Gay pride is also a
symbol of solidarity and an opportunity to express the vivid
personalities which reflect the diverse gay communities throughout
the world. During this time (and in many places year round), the
skies are covered with the gay pride flags and banners, the symbol
of gay solidarity and freedom.
The LGBT community wants its history day celebrated in DOD as part
of the sensitivity training that is granted to other minorities.