As transgender ban looms, Pentagon leaders distance themselves from LGBT pride events

I agree, even before "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," we knew or suspected who was what, but it had nothing to do with job performance. We don't need to know personal information to tell whether or not you will make a good soldier. PDA by anyone, bi, straight, gay, etc., has no place in the military. So why should I care what you are or what you choose do do in your private life? In the end, military effectiveness is tied directly to performance and achievement, not personal preferences.

I find nothing prideful about our St Pete Pride Parade. I'm ashamed our local elected politicians support this behavior. But, non-elected civil servants, who are representing their office, should not participate in activities that are overtly political or violate sexual harassment standards. I would not approve if normal people paraded in a similar manner.

San Diego, Calif., Jan 31, 2011 / 01:12 pm (CNA).-
Members of the San Diego Fire Department have won a sexual harassment lawsuit against the city for being forced to participate in a local gay pride parade in 2007.

SSgt Addison R. - Pride parades are a spectacle to behold in the LGBT community. You'll see the scantily clad go-go boys & over the top drag queens. But you'll also see church groups & PFLAG. You'll see "normal" LGBT people walking down the street proud of who they are, despite the hurdles many have had to overcome as part of a minority group. Wear sunscreen, bring water & enjoy a parade. My spouse & I used to go to Chicago's. It's been 10 years since we've been someplace with a Pride parade & we miss it. It winds through a pretty diverse area of Chicago & you see all kinds of people watching the parade, not just in the parade.

LTJG Richard Bruce Sir, I believe the argument here is that why is the DoD formal Pride Month observance officially canceled while other observances are going on throughout the year? As someone who is deployed to Afghanistan right now, who just got the go ahead for religious support hours ago, and being reminded to stay quiet about the trans ban lawsuit; there seems to be a message of inequality in the recognition of our service members who're at one time denied and punished for attempting to serve as themselves.

Personal and political feelings aside, we shouldn't deny a fairly sizable population of our Armed Forces because we all don't agree on us.

As for Pride Parades, the DoD wasn't going to put one on. Despite that highly controversial exception to policy back in 2012's San Diego Pride Parade, the only time anyone would go to a Pride Parade who're uniformed service members would go to a local one in civilian attire. As one of the many LGBT active duty service members, I won't support a DoD sanctioned parade for Pride month. Just want a time to observe the sacrifices and commitments our great men and women have committed to for the defense of our great nation.