If You Really Cared About Veterans, You’d Know They Already Have Months

 


Some on the right have called for replacing June’s Pride Month with "Veteran’s Month." But let’s be honest—this isn’t about supporting veterans. It’s about attacking LGBTQ+ visibility.

I say this with confidence because the U.S. already honors veterans and military families extensively:

  • November is National Veterans and Military Families Month (since 1996).

  • May is National Military Appreciation Month, including Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day.

  • April is Month of the Military Child, recognizing military families' sacrifices.

  • We also have Veterans Day (November 11) and Memorial Day—two major federal holidays.

If these critics actually cared about veterans, they’d know this. But their sudden concern for service members rings hollow—especially when LGBTQ+ veterans exist, and their service is often ignored or disrespected.

LGBTQ+ Veterans Serve Too—Despite the Hate

Over 1 million U.S. veterans identify as LGBTQ+, yet many face discrimination both in and out of uniform. Until 2011, they served under "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell." Even after its repeal, transgender troops have fought bans and bigotry. These veterans defend a country that doesn’t always defend them—so why weaponize their service to erase Pride?

Months Aren’t Exclusive—June Can Honor Both

June isn’t just Pride Month—it’s also:

  • Caribbean-American Heritage Month

  • Black Music Appreciation Month

  • National PTSD Awareness Month (which directly supports veterans)

  • National Dairy Month (because, sure, why not?)

If Pride Month bothers you that much, go enjoy some cheese, listen to some jazz, or advocate for veteran mental health. But don’t pretend this is about "supporting troops" when it’s really about silencing LGBTQ+ people—many of whom are troops.

Veterans deserve respect. So do LGBTQ+ people. The two aren’t mutually exclusive—but bigotry is always dishonorable.

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