ALCOAST 239/24 - JUN 2024 LIVING OUR TRUTH – LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

R 051500Z JUN 24   MID120001178502U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 239/24
SSIC 5350
SUBJ: LIVING OUR TRUTH – LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH
1. This June the Coast Guard commemorates Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender, Queer, and others (LGBTQ+) Pride Month with the theme,
“Living Our Truth”, which celebrates the diverse spectrum of
identities within the LGBTQ+ community and acknowledges the ongoing
work to secure the liberty entitled to every American.
2. For much of our Nation’s history LGBTQ+ people were
disenfranchised and forced to hide the truth of their gender or
sexual orientation, or risk discrimination, hate, and violence.
"Pride", the slogan for the march held in New York City on the first
anniversary of Stonewall Uprising, became the rallying cry for
members of the LGBTQ+ community to publicly express their personal
dignity, a pivotal sea change that helped launch the gay rights
movement.
3. Members of the LGBTQ+ community have served and continue to serve
with distinction at all levels in government. The past service of
LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. military is often unknown to history due
to the laws that forced them to either hide their affiliations or be
discharged. Today's members and recruits know they will not face
that past level of discrimination as they serve the Nation. LGBTQ+
people are critical members of our Coast Guard workforce and today
we can celebrate their contributions to missions past and present.
4. Every one of us plays a vital role in upholding a strong service
culture where every person can serve in workplaces free from
discrimination and harassment and perform their duty to the best of
their ability. We can show support for our LGBTQ+ colleagues by
educating ourselves, strengthening service culture, reaffirming our
commitment to inclusion, and by using the resources available at the
following pages:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.history.com/news/stonewall-riots-facts-gay-rights-lgbt

(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.deomi.mil/Special-Observances/#pride-month

5. POC: COMDT (CG-00H), Mr. Edward Stoker, Edward.A.Stoker@uscg.mil.
6. ADM Linda Fagan, Commandant (CCG), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.