Air Force hosts ‘Pride’ parties as readiness declines from Virginia to Texas.
U.S. Air Force Bases Celebrate Pride Month with Exciting Events
In an effort to promote diversity and inclusion, U.S. Air Force bases in Virginia and Texas are gearing up to host a series of on-base, LGBT-themed events throughout the coming weeks.
Virginia Base Festivities
Air Force Maj. Carrie Volpe, Chief of Public Affairs at Joint Base Langley-Eustis (JBLE), confirmed that the Virginia installation will be hosting its second annual “Diversity Equity Inclusion & Accessibility Festival” on June 30. The festival will feature a “Pride informational booth” and various exhibits from diverse groups. Additionally, JBLE will be organizing a 5K Rainbow Run on June 15, as well as a Pride Month Paint n’ Sip and LGBTQ Panel on June 23. For more information, visit JBLE’s website.
Texas Base Parade
Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas is also planning to hold a pride parade. Air Force Technical Sergeant Dustin Mullen, representing Laughlin’s Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Committee, stated that the event is currently being scheduled, with no confirmed time, date, or route. If held on base, the parade will be open to anyone with base access. Mullen emphasized that there will be no drag queen performances and the event will be funded through donations and volunteer manpower.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
All of these events are organized by the Breaking Barriers Alliance (BBA), an initiative at JBLE aimed at cultivating diversity, equity, and inclusion. According to Maj. Volpe, BBA’s main objective is to foster an organizational culture that embraces differences and improves mission performance through open dialogue.
It’s important to note that diversity, inclusion, and equity programs have been subject to criticism for potentially disregarding merit-based qualifications. However, the focus of these events is to create an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes dialogue.
Controversies and Cancelations
Last year, the DE&I Summer Festival at JBLE featured guest speakers and performances, including Navy drag queen Harpy Daniels. Daniels, who identifies as “nonbinary,” has since faced allegations of violating military protocols. Additionally, recent controversies surrounding taxpayer-funded travel to pride events and the cancelation of a drag show at Nellis Air Force Base have sparked debates within the military community.
Shawn Fleetwood is a staff writer for The Federalist and a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. He previously served as a state content writer for Convention of States Action and his work has been featured in numerous outlets, including RealClearPolitics, RealClearHealth, and Conservative Review. Follow him on Twitter @ShawnFleetwood
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