Today and the future:
Speaker discusses PRIDE history and respect

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Michael Carden, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

Lori Gum, program coordinator with Stonewall Columbus, Inc., speaks on the history and symbolism of Pride Month, as part of the ongoing Ohio National Guard Leadership Development Series, June 6, 2016, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. For more, go to http://ngpa.us/2660. (Staff Sgt. Michael Carden, ONG) READ STORY

Lori Gum speaks on the history and symbolism of Pride Month.

Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio assistant adjutant general for Army, presents a token of appreciation to Lori Gum for her presentation.

(06/06/16) — Members of the Ohio National Guard gathered to learn about the history of Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Transgender Month during the June presentation of the ongoing Ohio National Guard Leadership Development Series.

Lori Gum, program coordinator with Stonewall Columbus, presented “LBGTQ 101: Leadership Knowledge for Today and the Future.” The presentation focused on the history of the LBGT movement in the United States and understanding that all members of the force, military and civilian, should be treated fairly and respectfully.

“The only thing we ask is that we treat each other with dignity and respect,” said Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio assistant adjutant general for Army. “It’s part of who we are. The fact that we treat each other with dignity and respect, it’s defined in our values, part of doing that is understanding and education.”

The Department of Defense recognized June as Pride Month for the first time in 2012, following the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in 2011. This May, Eric Fanning was sworn in as Secretary of the Army, the first openly gay secretary of a military service.

“Diversity and Inclusion adds value to the whole military,” said Maj. Shaun Robinson, state diversity and inclusion advisor for the Ohio National Guard. “Diversity and inclusion is a key component of organizational effectiveness and operational readiness.”