Earlier today, a local Web site erroneously advised active-duty servicemembers that the Pentagon had endorsed the wearing of military uniforms in this weekend’s San Diego Pride Parade. Later, that same Web site attempted to disambiguate its advisement to servicemembers with a warning that an unnamed, high-ranking officer had forbade the wearing of Navy uniforms at Pride.
As it happens, San Diego LGBT Weekly’s publisher, Stampp Corbin, is past chair of the 2008 Obama for America National LGBT Leadership Council, and retains close contact with the White House. The following clarification comes directly from a White House official:
“The policy has been and is likely always to be that when military personnel march or participate in non-military sponsored events, they need to get the approval of their commanding officer to wear their military uniform,” said Corbin, paraphrasing the official.
After making history last year with the first active-duty military contingent in a Pride parade in the U.S., San Diego LGBT Pride is organizing an even bigger contingent for this year’s Pride event. The theme for this first post-DADT Pride is America’s Pride, and it will be held July 20-22.
San Diego Pride stated on its Military Contingent: San Diego Pride 2012 Facebook page, “This year we want to support our LGBT servicemembers even more! Our theme this year is America’s Pride because equality is an American value. Honoring our servicemembers and veterans and LGBT military families is an important part of this message.”
America’s Pride main event highlights will be:
Friday, July 20 at 6 p.m.
Spirit of Stonewall Rally: Celebrating the LGBT victories of the last year including the repeal of DADT.
Saturday, July 21 at 11 a.m.
Pride parade: Featuring the active-duty military contingent.
Pride festival: Discounted active-duty tickets available at the festival site for half price.
Discounted travel can be found at sdpride.org/travel.
Again, articipants wanting to walk in the military contingent in uniform should request to do so from their commanding officer.
