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Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta ReleasesHistoric Pride Video Message
2012 LGBT Pride season is first in whichservice members can openly participate
Washington – The Human RightsCampaign is commending U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta for releasing ahistoric video message to members of the military commemorating Lesbian, Gay,Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month, which takes place each June. This marksthe first Pride season in which service members can openly participate. “Don’tAsk, Don’t Tell” was repealed in December 2010, and repeal was implemented lastSeptember.
“SecretaryPanetta’s Pride video is a tremendous indicator of the progress we’ve made forlesbian, gay, and bisexual service members,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “It sends a powerful message to the brave men and women of the militarythat they are valued for their dedication to our country and their expertise,and that they are deserving of the exact same respect and equal treatment thattheir straight counterparts receive. By embracing Pride month, SecretaryPanetta also is telling LGBT youth in communities across our nation that theylive in a country that values them for exactly who they are. We hope this is asign that the Department of Defense will continue tackling the obstacles thatprevent lesbian, gay, and bisexual service members from receiving fullequality.”
Open servicehas strengthened the state of our military. In addition to support fromSecretary Panetta, the nation’s top military leaders also back open service.The day after repeal was implemented last September, Chairman of the JointChiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen said: “…with implementation of the new lawfully in place, we are a stronger joint force, a more tolerant joint force, aforce of more character and more honor, more in keeping with our ownvalues." Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said at the time: "Thanksto this change, I believe we move closer to achieving the goal at thefoundation of the values that America is all about: equality, equalopportunity and dignity for all Americans.”
ViewSecretary Panetta’s historic Pride message.
While Pridemonth provides a powerful opportunity to reflect on the change we’ve seen inthe military in just the last eight months, there is more work to be done toensure full equality in the military for all members of the LGBT community. Thediscriminatory Defense of Marriage Act still denies hundreds of criticalbenefits to same-sex military families; and officials must do more to addressthe obstacles that prevent transgender Americans from serving their country.
TheHuman Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working toachieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring andengaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizensand realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
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