Veteran Affairs Authorizes LGBTQ Flag To Fly Over VA Buildings

The Biloxi VA Medical Center in Mississippi has raised a pride flag outside of its hospital resulting in many veterans being enraged.

On June 1st to celebrate “pride month” the Biloxi VA Medical Center held an LGBTQ celebration that included a pride flag-raising ceremony.

Take a look:

Today marks the first time the pride flag has ever flown at the Biloxi VA in celebration of Gay Pride month… pic.twitter.com/jitIXiHadj

— 🥊REDNECKwithFETISHES🥊 (@k_daughtreyjr) June 2, 2023

The VA is even flying the flag at its headquarters:

This #PrideMonth know that Pride Counts at VA. Sexual orientation and gender identity matter in health care. Learn more: https://t.co/ncbdXg92lx pic.twitter.com/tWOUzgQwN8

— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) June 1, 2023

Happy Pride to LGBTQ+ Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors! Your service, your sacrifice – even in the face of discrimination – will never be forgotten.

Proud to fly the Pride flag over VA, and proud to serve you each and every day. pic.twitter.com/ISX6wdfV5p

— Secretary Denis McDonough (@SecVetAffairs) June 2, 2023

Per Veteran Affairs:

For the first time, the hospital raised a rainbow Pride flag during a ceremony on June 1 to commemorate Pride Month and recognize the contributions of LGBTQ+ Veterans, staff and community members.

“Hines flies this flag with immense pride today, not merely as a gesture, but as a vivid testament to the inclusive environment we have cultivated within these walls,” said James Doelling, hospital director, during the ceremony.

The flag will remain outside the hospital’s main entrance throughout June, side-by-side with military service flags.

“I think it’s a step forward for acceptance of one another,” said Army Veteran Brandon Chong, Chicago chapter president of the American Veterans for Equal Rights. “A lot of people think of Veterans, and they think of straight people. But we are here, and we are queer.”

Mississippi’s 4th District Congressman is trying to put an end to the nonsense.

The Associated Press got the scoop too:

A Mississippi lawmaker on Friday called on veterans leaders to remove a rainbow flag flying at the entrance to the Biloxi VA Medical Center.

On Friday, U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell sent a letter about the flag to Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough and Dr. Stephanie Repasky, who serves as interim director of the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System, WLOX-TV reported.

The flag was added to a display of American flags on Thursday to mark LGBTQ+ Pride month.

“While I believe everyone should be treated with respect, I take serious issue with any flag flying at a VA facility that promotes social policy positions or political statements,” Ezell said in the letter.

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