EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --.June is designated as Pride Month. During the month the DoD honors the service commitment and sacrifice of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex military personnel.
The month is a time of remembrance for the Stonewall Riots, also known as the Stonewall Uprising. The riots were largely considered to be the single most important event leading to the LGBTQ liberation movement and the modern fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.
On June 28, 1969, police raided The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar and recreational tavern, located in New York City. Tensions quickly escalated as patrons and supporters resisted. This was viewed as police harassment and persecution of the LGBTQ+ community. This uprising marked the beginning of a movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQ+ Americans.
Educational organizations led the way, designating the first LGBT History Month in 1994.
In June 2016, President Barack Obama announced the designation of the first national monument to LGBTQ rights. The Stonewall National Monument encompasses Christopher Park, The Stonewall Inn, and the surrounding streets and sidewalks that were the sites of the 1969 Stonewall Riots.
Each Pride Month event at Eglin is tied to this year’s theme "LIVE Out Loud," said Master Sgt. Lorena McIntosh, co-project officer.
“We are focusing on living authentically and promoting acceptance,” she said.
Here is the schedule of events:
Dorm Movie Night - Bldg. 833, June 3, 7 and 9 p.m. showings. "LIVE Together" is the feature film. Enjoy a night of free pizza and popcorn while exploring the LGBTQ+ culture through film.
"LIVE Free" social event - Painting with a Twist, 255 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Suite B8, Fort Walton Beach, June 4, 2 and 4 p.m. sessions. The event offers a place where attendees can be their authentic selves and express themselves through art.
Pride Month Information Booth – Base Exchange, every Monday in June, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Booth volunteers will offer Pride Month-related information to exchange patrons.
Talent Show – Bayview Club, June 10, 7 to 9 p.m. All ages are welcome. "LIVE to Shine" showcases talent from across the base. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners.
Game Night – Bayview Club, June 11, 7 to 11 p.m. Patrons 18 and over with base access are welcome. The "LIVE to Win" event offers a night of board and card games, dancing and a Dungeons and Dragons tournament.
Coming Out Panel – Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office auditorium, Bldg. 605, June 15, 11 a.m. to noon. The "LIVE True" event features showcases shared by Eglin’s LBGTQ+ community members on their journey of being LGBTQ+ and serving in the military. Lunch provided.
PFLAG Panel for Parents - SAPR Office auditorium, Bldg. 605, June 17, 5:30 to 7 p.m. The "LIVE Proud" event features guest speakers from Parents and Friends for Lesbians and Gays, who provide resources and education to parents on how to navigate conversations and support their children when they come out as LGBTQ+. Dinner provided.
Pride Parade - Post'l Point, June 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. "LIVE Out Loud" features a boat Pride Parade and a drag queen grand marshall.
Pride Prom Final Celebration- Compass Rose, 303 Glen Ave., Valparaiso, 6 to 10 p.m. All ages welcome. The event offers music and dancing. The dress code is comfortable or formal attire.
For more information, call 885-3602.