WASHINGTON, DC  The American Military Partner Association ( AMPA ), the nation's premier organization for the partners and spouses of America's LGBT service members and veterans, released the following statement today in response to the announcement by the Department of Defense of the observance of LGBT Pride Month in June.

The memorandum, signed by the Director of the Office of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity, Clarence A. Johnson, states, "The Department of Defense joins the Nation in celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender ( LGBT ) Pride Month during the month of June. We recognize gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members and LGBT civilians for their dedicated service to our country; the heroic contributions made by these Americans strengthen our national security. Whether officer, enlisted, civilian employee, or family member, their inclusion gives our Department greater promise and possibility. The LGBT community has written a proud chapter in this fundamentally American story by reminding us that integrity and respect remain corner stones of our military and civilian culture. During the month of June, let's rededicate ourselves to equity, dignity and respect for all, and celebrate the diversity of the DoD workforce."

"The observance of LGBT Pride Month by the Department of Defense is yet another example of the tremendous amount of progress our community has made over the last couple of years thanks to the tireless efforts of advocates and the leadership of the Administration," said Stephen Peters, president of AMPA. "Although not addressed in today's announcement, it's important to note that our transgender service members also heroicly serve our nation. We look forward to the day when they no longer have to serve in silence like our gay and lesbian service members had to not too long ago."

Members and allies of the American Military Partner Association are planning and coordinating official LGBT Pride Month celebrations at local U.S. military installations around the world. With today's announcement, they look forward to their local command's full support in these planning efforts and helping to build inclusive command climates for all who serve.

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The American Military Partner Association ( AMPA ), a non-partisan and non-profit 501( c )3 organization, is the nation's largest resource and support network for LGBT military spouses, their families, and allies. Founded and led by same-gender military partners in 2009 as the Campaign for Military Partners, AMPA has grown to over 20,000 members and supporters and is committed to education, advocacy, and support for our "modern military families." For more information, visit www.militarypartners.org

View the Department of Defense's announcement at militarypartners.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DoD-Pride-Announcement.pdf .