Air Force Under Intense Fire Over Pride Month Post

On Wednesday, The United States Air Force shared an image on its social media channels this week, depicting a uniformed service member saluting an LGBTQ+ flag in recognition of Pride Month. The move is seen as part of a broader effort by the military to demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

In the image, the soldier stands tall, hand at his brow in a formal salute, in front of the colorful, striped flag symbolizing the LGBTQ+ community.

The post was accompanied by a statement reading, “June is #PrideMonth! The Department of the Air Force proudly recognizes and celebrates generations of LGBTQI+ service members and their contributions to our #AirForce & #SpaceForce.”

June is #PrideMonth! The Department of the Air Force proudly recognizes and celebrates generations of LGBTQI+ service members and their contributions to our #AirForce & #SpaceForce. pic.twitter.com/lQi9lH5sdr

— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) June 7, 2023

Observers have pointed out that such support for particular groups could potentially detract from the military’s primary focus of national security, maintaining that the military’s role should be strictly neutral and should avoid participating in socio-political movements.

REACTIONS:

Inappropriate for the military to be encouraging this type of behavior

— BidenMyTime 🇺🇸 (@BidenMyTime_) June 7, 2023

https://twitter.com/johnburk1776/status/1666522540397789184?s=20

It’s illegal for a branch of the US Military to salute anything but the US Flag.

What the US Air Force is doing here is disgraceful.

— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) June 7, 2023

What's the deal with talking about sexuality non-stop & all the sexuality flags? Creepy af

— The Goat (@Pebo4Real) June 7, 2023

It is illegal to salute another flag if you are a service member. Take this down.

— Thomas Musket ⓒ (@ThomasMusket) June 7, 2023