R 091525Z JUN 16
MARADMIN 293/16
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA//
SUBJ/2016 LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT) PRIDE MONTH//
POC/L. J. GADEA/SGT/UNIT: MPE/-/TEL: (703)784-9371/TEL: DSN 278-9371/TEL: COMM (703)784-9371//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  President Obama proclaimed the month of June as LGBT Pride Month.  This years theme is “Celebration.”  We celebrate the contributions of our LGBT community and the great diversity of the American people.  The President stated that the “Department of Defense is leading by example to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens are judged by the quality of their work, not by who they love.”
2.  The Department of Defense Human Goals Charter addresses the fact that the defense of the nation requires a well-trained volunteer total force comprised of active and reserve military members and civilian personnel.  We gain a strategic advantage through the diversity of our total force and create a culture of inclusion where individuals are drawn to serve, are valued, and actively contribute to overall mission success.  One of the ten human goals of the Department of Defense is to make military service in the department a model of equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin.
3.  The sacrifices made by LGBT Marines and civilian Marines -- sacrifices of life and limb -- are no different from those that have long been made by any American willing to defend our country and its ideals and help make a better world.  Whether they fall in combat, or go on to live a long life, in the end, the earth makes no distinction in its embrace of our honored patriots, and neither should we.  So, as we celebrate LGBT Pride Month, let us take pride in all who step forward to serve our country -- past, present, and future.  As fellow citizens, we honor them, thank and cherish them, today and always.
4.  The Marine Corps is committed to promoting an environment free from personal, social, or institutional barriers that prevent its workforce from rising to the highest level of responsibility possible, regardless of sexual orientation.  Therefore, commanders are encouraged to take time to recognize and celebrate the 2016 LGBT Pride Month.  Commanders are further encouraged to promote participation in observance events both on base and in the local community.
5.  Release authorized by LtGen M. A. Brilakis, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs.//