In addition to the usual free admission offerered to military personnel, Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride organizers are furthering their support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender men and woman of the armed forces by creating a Military Committee for this year’s Pride celebration on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 at Marina Green Park.
“In the spirit of Pride, it is important that we recognize all LGBTQ community members, especially those that have served and protected our country” , said Denise Newman, LBLGP co-president. “Creating this committee is just one of the many ways that Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride will be reaching out to service organizations around the country to recognize their commitment and to acknowledge our right to equality.”
The committee idea was created and formed by the Parade Committee, under the direction of Tonya Martin, LGBTQ advocate. For the first year, the Military Committee will be connecting to all existing and defunct organizations concerned with the advancement of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender service members and veterans of national armed forces.
All military are invited to attend, at no charge, the 32nd Annual Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Festival, as well as marching free in the parade. In the future, the committee looks forward to branding new events that continue the support of the LGBTQ military community, according to organizers.
The committee is chaired by Commander William “Bill” Murdoch, who has been serving as a commissioned officer in the Navy Reserve for 21 years, with a current rank of commander. He graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a bachelor of science in marine engineering and a concentration in facilities/power plant engineering, and he still holds 3rd Assistant Engineer credentials.
He is currently serving with the Military Sealift Command in Washington D.C., as a strategic sealift officer.
“It is an honor to be on the forefront of service to the LGBTQ military community,” Murdoch said. “We have fought for our country and for our equal rights. I am grateful to Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride for acknowledging my military brothers and sisters.
LGBTQ military personnel or veterans may call (562) 987-9191 or email parade@longbeachpride.com to sign up for marching in the parade.
Source: LB Lesbian and Gay Pride
