The Times reported that Hepner is the founder of an organization called Military Partners and Families Coalition, which, its website explains, exists to provide “support, resources, education, and advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender military partners and their families.” In its report on the story, the Los Angeles Times noted that during Smith’s promotion ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, her “proud wife placed a star insignia on her spouse’s uniformed shoulder - the official mark of an Army brigadier general.” According to the New York Times, Smith, a 26-year Army veteran, married homosexual activist Tracey Hepner in March 2011, after they had dated for nine years. She has already been assigned as deputy chief at the Office of the Chief at the Army Reserve, and spent much of 2011 serving in Afghanistan.” The paper added that the ceremony August 10, at which Smith was officially promoted, “marks an important milestone for gay rights advocates, giving the movement its most senior public military figure. “Army reserve officer Tammy Smith calls her recent promotion to brigadier general exciting and humbling, saying it gives her a chance to be a leader in advancing Army values and excellence,” reported the military newspaper. Star and Stripes, the Defense Department’s semi-official newspaper, proudly reported that the Army has promoted its first homosexual officer to general status. military it didn’t take long for a gay officer to climb to the top of the commissioned ranks.
ARMY GAY PRIDE MEME FREE
The Salvation Army provides the same benefits to all of its employees, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.With homosexuals now free to serve openly in the U.S. What is The Salvation Army’s position on same-sex benefits? We welcome and encourage a diverse workforce because it helps us to better serve a diverse community. The Salvation Army is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we provide the same benefits to all of our employees. How has The Salvation Army committed itself to diversity in its hiring and promotion practices? The Salvation Army rejects any form of discrimination, and we are committed to addressing any instance of discriminatory actions or statements in our services or our employment practices. How does The Salvation Army respond to allegations of discrimination? The Salvation Army is committed to becoming a more welcoming, diverse organization that stands as a model for inclusion and anti-discrimination. What is The Salvation Army’s position on diversity? In Baltimore, we work with the city to meet a growing need among transgender individuals who are trafficked.In Houston, our Young Adult Resource Center provides day shelter to young adults who are homeless, many of whom identify as LGBTQ.In Minneapolis, the Harbor Light Center shelters approximately 550 individuals every night, and it’s estimated that 20% of those people are members of the LGBTQ community.In Las Vegas, we have a dorm that is exclusively for transgender individuals.We know that discrimination against LGBTQ individuals can make them particularly vulnerable, and we have many programs and resources across the country that aim to serve the unique needs of LGBTQ people: The Salvation Army is one of the largest – if not the largest – non-governmental providers of services to the LGBTQ community. How has The Salvation Army demonstrated its commitment to members of the LGBTQ community? If we have the capacity to help, we will help. Our 7,600 service centers across the country are uniquely positioned to meet need, and they do so without discrimination or asking questions about a person’s orientation or beliefs. What can a person who identifies as LGBTQ expect from The Salvation Army? Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Any person who walks through our doors will receive assistance based on their need and our capacity to help. Our services are equally available to anyone, and our commitment to provide service without discrimination is an extension of the love of God, who tells us in John 15:12, “This is my commandment: that you love one another as I have loved you.”ĭoes The Salvation Army serve the LGBTQ community? The Salvation Army’s mission statement is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Does The Salvation Army serve anyone in need?