In a surprising move, the United States Navy has removed its social media posts dedicated to LGBTQ+ Pride Month without providing any explanation for the decision.
On Thursday, June 1, the Navy’s Instagram and Twitter accounts featured colorful visuals celebrating Pride, including rainbow flags and stylized versions of the word “pride” alongside Navy warships and planes with rainbow trails. However, as of Friday, June 2, these posts have been deleted without any apparent cause.
One of the removed posts highlighted an LGBTQ+ Pride banner that was taken down from the Navy’s account, which was brought to attention by a Twitter meme account called “End Wokeness.” Several comments suggested that the posts were removed due to backlash over the military’s support for Pride.
When contacted for clarification, a representative from the United States Navy expressed, “The U.S. Navy posted graphics in support of the start of Pride month to honor the service, commitment, and sacrifice of the LGBTQ+ service members and personnel who volunteer to defend our country.”
The spokesperson further emphasized the Navy’s commitment to recognizing the diversity and strength of its sailors during all Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) observation months. They affirmed that members of the LGBTQ+ community deserve an inclusive environment where they can reach their full potential and contribute to the mission of the Department of Defense (DOD).
Despite the statement, no specific reason was provided for the removal of the Pride-related posts.
According to emails obtained by Fox News Digital, there were concerns within Navy officials about allowing comments on social media posts celebrating Pride Month last year due to potential negative feedback.
Email exchanges obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request revealed that two Navy officials expressed disappointment with the unfavorable response to the Navy’s social media posts during LGBTQ+ Pride Month the previous year. They strategized how to share their “rainbow wingtip graphic” in honor of Pride Month, even though they anticipated receiving negative comments from trolls.
One official, in a Facebook post, admitted to having a challenging day and contemplated disabling comments. In response, the other official offered guidance on how to engage with a more supportive audience and promote the righteousness of their cause.
Critics of the Navy’s Pride posters were labeled as “bigots” and “a-holes” by the authorities.
Conservative politicians have recently exerted pressure on the military to discontinue activities promoting diversity, fairness, and inclusion, such as taxpayer-funded Pride month marketing. Representative Chip Roy (R-Texas) wrote a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin requesting records of all Pride Month events funded or supported by the military.
Roy stated that there is an urgent need to join the armed forces as adversaries worldwide grow bolder and celebrate their increasing power while mocking the United States. He argued that the military should focus on defending the nation and its interests rather than advancing what he called “woke ideology.”
Additionally, Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) “demanded answers” from Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley regarding a planned “child-friendly” drag show, which led to its cancellation even before Roy’s letter was received.
Gaetz previously claimed that the Department of Defense promoted or endorsed such acts, despite denials from Austin and Milley in March. In a letter to Milley and Austin, Gaetz called for immediate explanations as to why these drag shows continued to take place.
According to NBC News, Austin and Milley personally made the decision to cancel the event, with Milley displaying signs of anger upon learning about its cancellation.
It has been reported that Nellis Air Force Base had hosted a drag event in both 2021 and 2022.