WASHINGTON — June is Pride Month, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) joins the nation in recognizing LGBTQI+ veterans and service members.
It is estimated that there are a little more than 1 million LGBTQI+ veterans in the United States. Since the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010, surveys have found that more than 5% of active-duty service members identify as part of the LGBTQI+ community. They are counted among the less than 1% who serve or have served in the U.S. military.
Beginning in 1999, four U.S. presidents officially declared June as Pride Month – President Bill Clinton, President Barack Obama, President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. The 2023 White House proclamation for Pride Month can be found here.
The 1.5 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary salute all LGBTQI+ veterans, past, present and future, and say “thank you” for your service to our great nation.