San Diego, CA -- San Diego LGBT Pride is proud to present for the first time ever at San Diego's Veterans Day Parade our openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender servicemembers, veterans, and their families. With the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, LGBT servicemembers and veterans can at last walk openly with their families to receive the full support of their community, and the recognition they have earned with their service to our country.
* San Diego has the 3rd largest LGBT veteran community in the country.
* Approximately 20% of same-sex couples in San Diego are comprised of at least one or more veteran(s).
* Over 13,000 troops were discharged under Don't Ask Don't Tell.
"Veterans Day is when Americans across the United States take time to honor those who have served our great country. After years of institutionalized discrimination our LGBT servicemembers and veterans can be full, open, and honest about who they are without concern about who they love," said San Diego Pride's Executive Director, Dwayne Crenshaw. "It is time we honor our LGBT servicemembers and veterans for their patriotism, sacrifices, and their deep love of country that they willingly served."
"All veterans, regardless of their sexual orientation, serve our country with dignity and pride to protect the rights and freedoms we all enjoy. It is a proud day when the LGBT community can stand in support of all veeterans."
On Friday November 11, 2011 San Diego LGBT Pride extends its welcome to all LGBT veterans, active duty servicemembers, and their families and supporters to walk with us in the San Diego Veterans Day Parade.
The contingent will meet at 10am on the west side of the north Parking lot of the Country Administration Building, 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego CA 92101. The Parade will kick off at 11am.
