A U.S. Air Force base in Germany, which had been previously forced to cancel a drag event, hosted a “Pride”-theme story hour for kids at the installation’s library.
Ramstein Air Base held the event, which it dubbed “Reading with PRIDE,” on June 15, with the official base Facebook page posting photos while boasting that volunteers read books to kids in celebration of Pride Month that were “focused on inclusion.”
Pictures of the event show the volunteers reading books to kids in a room decorated in rainbow colors, including a table with a placard informing children that the area is a “safe space.”
The event comes a year after the same base found itself at the center of controversy over its planned “Drag Queen Storytime” event that was slated to take place last May but was canceled after receiving backlash from service members and parents, according to Military.com
“We’re celebrating Pride Month at the Ramstein Library with Drag Queen Storytime,” read a promotion for the event on the base Facebook page that was later deleted. “Be sure to wear your brightest and most colorful outfits!” . . .
. . . . .Reached for comment by Fox News Digital, Ramstein Air Base leadership said the event was a “command-approved event intended to advance our progress towards a respectful and inclusive culture” but stressed that attendance “was strictly voluntary, and was conducted in accordance with DoD direction.”
“Ultimately, all events held on Ramstein AB aim to foster an environment where all our members and families can thrive and feel valued as a part of our team as we continue to confidently execute our no-fail mission,” the statement continued. “As Secretary Austin has previously stated during Congressional testimony, we do not host drag events at Ramstein AB facilities, and this event was consistent with such.” . . . (read more on Fox News)
Proud Voices event creates dialog within KMC (DVIDS, 27 JUN 23)
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – In honor of Pride Month, the 86th Airlift Wing special observance committee will host a safe space discussion called Proud Voices. The event will be held Wednesday, June 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Aerospace Medical Squadron, C-Bay building 2116.
“Proud Voices is a safe space where people from all walks of life will come together to ask questions and discuss different experiences and topics without discrimination, criticism, harassment, bullying or shame,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Briana Lucas, 86th Medical Support Squadron resource management office noncommissioned officer in charge. “This event helps open the channels of communication between members of the Ramstein Air Base community, allies and those who just want to understand the perspectives and experiences of the LGBTQI+ community. It is open to all, you don’t have to be a member of the LGBTQI+ community to attend.”
During the event, there will be a presentation slideshow educating all attendees of the history of the LGBTQI+ community. Additionally there will be highlights of the history and experiences of the transgender population for awareness. A panel of members will share their personal stories and experiences to help start the discussion and create a safe environment. After the panel discussions, attendees will break off into smaller groups to participate in guided discussions and share personal experiences.
Hosting the event on base allows base and wing leadership the opportunity to show support for the LGBTQI+ members serving at Ramstein AB, said Morgan Evans, 86th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron physical evaluation board liaison officer. The event gives the members of team Ramstein the freedom to detail some of their experiences not just as part of the Kaiserslautern Military Community, but also what they have experienced while serving our country as someone in the LGBTQI+ community.
“The goal of this event is to bring together those who may generally feel too embarrassed to ask questions, fear asking questions and those who wish to show their allyship toward this community,” said Evans. “In short it is for anyone with a healthy and respectful curiosity.”
In addition to Proud Voices, Ramstein AB special observance committee held a color run, and a safe-space story time that focused on inclusivity and providing ways for the community to celebrate and to grow and learn together.
Over at Yokota AFB:
An Airman’s uniform adorned with a Pride Month morale patches from the base LGBTQIA+ community at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 29, 2023. Pride Month is a celebration that evolved from the loud demands for equal treatment by the gay and lesbian communities following the Stonewall Protests of 1969, where community members faced harsh discrimination and abuses from law enforcement. Under U.S. President Joe Biden, all LGBTQIA+ service members can serve their country openly, proving that acceptance makes for a stronger joint force. (DVIDS)
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