Photo By Tech. Sgt. Alisha Rose | Team MacDill celebrates its first Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month,...... read more read more
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MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - Team MacDill kicked-off its first celebration of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month with a Rainbow Color Run event May 29, 2015, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
“LGBT Pride has only been celebrated by military installations since 2012,” explained Senior Master Sgt. Joey Williams, 6th Force Support Squadron Pride Month committee chair. “I am honored to be a part of hosting the events in recognition of this month for the first time here at MacDill.”
LGBT Pride Month is an annual observance that celebrates the history and progressions in the LGBT community during the month of June. This month is important in LGBT community because it honors the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which were held in retaliation of an unnecessary police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City.
“People fear what they do not understand; however by informing and educating the population, hopefully, we can reach many people and maybe change a negative opinion or view into a positive one,” explained Williams. “Pride Month is an opportunity to continue to educate, inspire and march for those who cannot.”
The recognition started in 1969 on the last Sunday in June every year. In 2000, former President Bill Clinton designated June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, which was later designated as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month by President Barack Obama in 2009. Now month long celebrations are held all around the U.S.
Continuing the celebration, MacDill is currently running an essay contest that will end Friday, June 5, 2015, for the school-age children, as well as hosting a lunchtime painting Friday, June 5, 2015, at the Diner’s Reef Dining Facility and a Pride Luncheon June 15, 2015, at the Surf's Edge Club to wrap up the celebration.
“Around the world, the LGBT community has made great strides for human rights and equality. Pride month is an opportunity to celebrate these accomplishments, but it also serves several other purposes,” expressed Williams. “On behalf of the committee, we appreciate all of the support we have received from MacDill and the local community. It is our hope that people will walk away from these events with the desire to educate and raise awareness in their own personal groups and families.”
| Date Taken: | 06.04.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.25.2015 10:38 |
| Story ID: | 168077 |
| Location: | MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 40 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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