JBA 'Celebrates victories that have affirmed freedom and fairness'

  • Published
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md., --  
The Department of Defense observes this month as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month and Airmen at JBA can celebrate be participating in several events.

"There's a wide misunderstanding of what June is for the LGBT community in our society," said Airman 1st Class Zach Christman, 11th Comptroller Squadron customer service technician. "Some think it is a month allotted to bringing attention to an individual's sexuality or an excuse to throw a parade and party, when really it's a time for LGBT community and its supporters to look back on all the progress made since the early 20th century and educate those around them."

The annual observance recognizes the impacts that LGBT community has had on history locally, nationally and internationally.

"This month marks the 46th Anniversary of the Stonewall Inn riots," Christman said, "The riots occurred in Manhattan and played a pivotal role in the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States."

In the 2014 LGBT Pride Month Proclamation signed by President Barack Obama, he said, "As progress spreads from State to State, as justice is delivered in the courtroom, and as more of our fellow Americans are treated with dignity and respect -- our Nation becomes not only more accepting, but more equal as well. During LGBT Pride Month, we celebrate victories that have affirmed freedom and fairness, and we recommit ourselves to completing the work that remains."

In line with the DOD, a variety of events will take place here.

High Heel Dash & Rainbow Run 5K
June 5 at 7 a.m.
West Fitness Center
The high heel race imitates other high heel races throughout the country and aims at raising awareness about transgendered issues and empowers people struggling with gender identity and homophobia.

DOD Pride
June 9 at noon
Pentagon
This is a Pentagon event hosted by Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter. JBA will provide a shuttle to the Pentagon for those wishing to attend.

Night at the Cinema
June 19 from 7-11 p.m.
Base Theater
Night at the Cinema features two films, The Birdcage and MILK. Both are targeted at promoting awareness of the LGBT community.

Multicultural Day
June 25 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Community Commons
LGBT support groups from the National Capital Region will have informational booths promoting awareness and health issues of the community.

The Summer Extravaganza
June 26 at 6 p.m.
Base Theater
The extravaganza will showcase talents of the JBA community.

Pride Month Celebration Dinner
June 30 from 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
The spouse dinner and information fair will feature guess speaker Kristen Beck a retired Navy Seal. Informational booths with representatives from finance, legal, force support will help inform military and civilian couples of their benefits.

For more information about the Inaugural LGBT Pride Month, contact Capt. Emily Ladd.