ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota National Guard celebrated LGBT Pride Month June 8 with a presentation discussing diversity and equality in the current military climate. The discussion was led by Rebecca Waggoner, anti-violence program director for OutFront Minnesota. Topics included LGBT language, the climate for LGBT service members and the next steps moving forward.
OutFront Minnesota’s mission is to create a state where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are free to be who they are, love who they love, and live without fear of violence, harassment or discrimination.
“This isn’t a morality issue. This is a making a better military issue,” Waggoner said.
With the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy Jan. 28, 2011, service members were no longer subjected to administrative separation based solely on their sexual orientation. Also, since the repeal, military members and retirees with same-sex partners are now qualified for housing, medical and dental benefits.
Col. John Kolb, Minnesota National Guard Chief of Staff, expressed the importance of discussing diversity and inclusion in today’s military.
“This is a really important day and we have an opportunity now to look at inclusion,” Kolb said. “Twenty-seven years ago, I never imagined that I would have a commander, at the adjutant general level, saying that this is a definite priority across the state.”
Same-sex marriage has only been legalized in Minnesota since Aug. 1, 2013. All of the policy change surrounding service members' sexual orientation has happened in less than three years. This rapid shift in military climate does require educating military members with events like today’s celebration of LGBT Pride Month.
“I know many gay and lesbian Soldiers who I’ve served with over parts of my career,” Kolb said. “They were tremendous Soldiers, they served proudly, but they were stifled by a policy that was unfair to their individuality.”
In the end, a service member is a service member, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.
“We are committed to fostering an environment that truly represents the demographics of the communities in which we serve,” said Maj. Gen. Richard C. Nash, Minnesota National Guard adjutant general. “We must reflect those whom we lead, serve and protect.”