July 10, 2013
MARINES JOIN NAVY IN WELCOMING UNIFORMED SERVICEMEMBERS TO SAN DIEGO PRIDE
SAN DIEGO — As the city gears up for this weekend’s annual San Diego LGBT Pride festivities, Marines and sailors with I (First) Marine Expeditionary Force have received authorization to wear approved uniforms in the 39th annual Pride Parade on Saturday, July 13 at 11 am.
This follows authorization by the Department of Navy, Navy Region Southwest, authorizing active duty Navy servicemembers under its command to wear their uniforms in the parade.
For the third year, servicemembers are invited to participate in the Military Contingent which leads the San Diego LGBT Pride Parade. Over 300 servicemembers are expected to participate, either in uniform or a branch specific T-shirt.
I MEF is finalizing the official administrative message to be delivered to the command. Marines and sailors who wish to participate are approved to wear authorized leave and liberty uniforms and attire in the parade.
Personnel are required to reference and follow Marine Corps regulations and policies regarding the proper wear of authorized uniforms and are prohibited from wearing the uniform while engaged in unauthorized activities.
In the release from I MEF, the command says that diversity remains one of its top priorities.
“We are proud of the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and versatile skills of our men and women and embrace their personal decision to participate in this community event honoring their service,” 1st Lt. Garth Langley
San Diego Pride will host an information session for participants who are 21 years and older on Thursday, July 11 from 6-7 pm at Bourbon Street Bar & Grill, located at 4612 Park Blvd. At the event, additional information will be provided about the Military Contingent.
Servicemembers who wish to participate in the contingent should register online at www.sdpride.org/military. For additional questions, contact [email protected].
Founded in 1974, San Diego LGBT Pride is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is: Fostering pride in and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, locally, nationally, and globally. www.sdpride.org
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San Diego Pride raises funds primarily through festival ticket and beverage sales, and through sponsorships, and exhibitor fees. These funds support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropy which has distributed more than $2.5 million in advancement of its mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally.
