Their celebratory image features rainbow-tipped bullets.
QUICK FACTS:
- The United States Marine Corps came out in support of “Pride Month,” on June 1, reaffirming their support for those service members who are part of the LGBTQ community.
- “Throughout June, the USMC takes #Pride in recognizing and honoring the contributions of our LGBTQ service members,” the Marine Corps said from their verified Twitter page.
- “We remain committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination, and defend the values of treating all equally, with dignity and respect,” the message goes on to say.
- The State Department under the Biden administration made a similar post, Joe Biden kicking off the month with a statement about the admin’s commitment to the LGBTQI+ community:
- “This month, we honor the resilience of LGBTQI+ people, who are fighting to live authentically and freely,” Biden said in a May 31 proclamation on ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, And Intersex Pride Month.’ He added, “We reaffirm our belief that LGBTQI+ rights are human rights. And we recommit to delivering protections, safety, and equality to LGBTQI+ families so that everyone can realize the full promise of America.”
RESPONSE TO MARINE CORPS’ OFFICIAL PRIDE MONTH PROCLAMATION:
- Some concerned Americans pushed back against the Marine Corps’ seemingly partisan statement of supporting an overwhelmingly progressive movement.
- “Maybe focus on what’s actually important to the nation’s defense. China and Russia are bolstering up their ranks with masculinity understanding it’s necessity, while we seem to be celebrating sexual choices and gender changes in our military,” one user remarked.
- Another simply stated, “This makes me sad.”
- “Is this satire?” another asked, while a third exclaimed, “I’ve seen it all now.”
BACKGROUND:
- Pride Month is celebrated in June worldwide, with parades and protests in support of the LGBTQ movement beginning in June of 1969 when the first parade, known as the Stonewall Uprising, was held.
- Brad Bates from Eager for Truth encourages Christians to see Pride Month to reflect on not only the problems with Pride (both in the LGBTQ context and the more typical interpretation), but also to find a way of sharing the gospel with those in the LGBTQ community.
- “[S]hould we find a better way to spend the month that shows the LGBTQ+ community that they are loved, and that the same God that died for us died for them as well? Can we reflect on our own shortcomings and seek the Lord on how we can do better as children of God? Can we find a way to share the gospel with them in a way that communicates the need of a savior in the light of sin without dehumanizing them?” asked Bates.
