LGBTQ Lunch and Learn planned for June 24 at USO Center

The USO Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will host a Lunch and Learn June 24 in honor of National LGBTQ Pride Month. The event will promote inclusion and education as well as provide a networking opportunity. (Courtesy photo)

The USO Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will host a Lunch and Learn June 24 in honor of National LGBTQ Pride Month. The event will promote inclusion and education as well as provide a networking opportunity. (Courtesy photo)

Celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month at a Lunch and Learn June 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the USO Center in the Kittyhawk Area of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The event will include free food and multiple guest speakers from the Wright-Patterson LGBTQ community.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York City in 1969 that began the movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in the United States. During the June 24 event, speakers will discuss some of the major milestones for LGBTQ equality that have been made in these 50 years, including the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” in 2011 and the Defense of Marriage Act of 2013. Additionally, speakers will share their personal experiences of serving in the military.

Master Sgt. Desmond Hunter-East, coordinator for the lunch and learn, explained that the goal of this year’s Pride Month Observance event is twofold.

“It’s a combination of education and networking because many people might not know that there are others out there that are going through the same thing that they are,” Hunter-East said.

Following the speakers, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and network with one another.

Hunter-East explained that education is the key to achieving an inclusive environment for all service members.

“With the environment changing, we should be the ones at the forefront of educating people,” he said.

By observing Pride Month, Wright-Patterson continues to promote an inclusive workforce that values diversity. The event is open to anyone on base, and supervisors are especially encouraged to attend.

For additional information on the Lunch and Learn, contact Hunter-East at desmond.hunter_east@us.af.mil.

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