Speaker John A. Pérez, Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin lead first-ever California National Guard contingent in L.A. Pride parade

LOS ANGELES — For the first time, a delegation from the California National Guard, led by its Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin, took part in L.A. Pride, joining Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles), the first openly gay person elected official to lead a state house, in yesterdays Pride Parade.

The California National Guard also had its first-ever recruiting booth at the Pride festival following the parade. Several of the Guardsmen marching alongside Speaker Pérez and Maj. Gen. Baldwin are gay, and were marching openly for the first time as members of the Armed Forces.

“The overwhelmingly positive response to the California National Guard from Pride participants today was matched only by the respect and enthusiasm the Guard showed toward our community,” Speaker Pérez said. “Today makes it absolutely clear the Guard is committed to including and reflecting all the people they serve.”

“We are a performance-based force, and one’s sexual orientation shouldn’t affect their ability to serve and excel,” said Maj. Gen. Baldwin. “Duty to one’s state and nation – not sexual orientation – is the defining trait of our soldiers and airmen.”

Two military vehicles, including a National Guard Humvee, and a banner that reads “The California National Guard-Yes! We Really do Want You!” were part of the contingent.

In addition to L.A. Pride, the California National Guard will also have a recruiting presence at other Pride events in the state, including Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose, with other locations pending.

Speaker Pérez has worked closely with the California National Guard on a number of issues. Last year, he helped launch the Cal Guard’s Work for Warriors Program that finds jobs for returning combat veterans, in addition to helping California veterans statewide obtain the services they need and the benefits they have earned.