The U.S. Navy has taken down social media posts celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride month, including rainbow banners that displayed the word “Pride.” The posts, which featured Navy vessels and aircraft with rainbow trails, were removed from the Navy’s Instagram and Twitter accounts without providing a reason.
A meme account on Twitter called attention to the removal of an LGBTQ+ Pride banner from the Navy’s account, suggesting it was due to backlash over military support for Pride. However, when asked for comment, a Navy spokesperson expressed support for LGBTQ+ service members and emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment.
The Navy’s decision to remove the posts without explanation has raised questions and concerns. Last year, emails revealed that Navy officials were hesitant to allow comments on social media posts promoting Pride month due to anticipated negative feedback.
Conservative lawmakers have been pressuring the military to scale back diversity and inclusion initiatives, including taxpayer-funded support for Pride month celebrations. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, recently demanded information about military-sponsored Pride events, while Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., questioned the Department of Defense about a “child-friendly” drag show at Nellis Air Force Base.
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The cancellation of the drag show at Nellis Air Force Base followed inquiries from Gaetz and came directly from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley.
The removal of Pride posts by the Navy, along with the controversies surrounding military support for Pride and diversity initiatives, highlight the ongoing debates about inclusion, representation, and the role of the military in promoting social causes.
