The US Air Force has marked Pride Month by tweeting a message supporting LGBTQ+ service members. However, it prompted such a negative reaction online, the Air Force’s official Twitter account felt moved to turn off the comments.
Here’s the tweet.
Although garnering over 2,000 likes, it’s also prompted around pearl-clutching 6,000 comments. Some have objected to what they view as a service member saluting the rainbow flag. This seems a somewhat disingenuous interpretation of the image.
Here are a few of the responses.
I am so grateful that my husband, after 20 years of serving, is no longer a part of the USAF. My Dad who served 30 years would be devastated.
— jojomarks81🇺🇲 (@JoJoMarks4) June 8, 2023
This is the only flag you should be saluting. pic.twitter.com/phmqhPaIaV
— Saul 🇺🇸 (@OldSchoolSaul) June 7, 2023
Seriously? Saluting a rainbow flag?
— Thomas J 🇺🇸 (@old4dis) June 7, 2023
Why?
Lauren Boebert joins the chat
Unsurprisingly, joining the chorus of disapproval was Rep. Lauren Boebert.
Boebert used the D-Day anniversary earlier this week to pay tribute to those who gave their lives during the Allied landings in Normandy in 1944. She posted a photo of herself in front of the grave of a soldier at Arlington Cemetery.
Internet sleuths yesterday used the marker code on the back of the grave to identify who it belonged to. It turned out she wasn’t paying tribute to a D-Day soldier, or even someone who fought in World War II. The gravestone belonged to someone who fought in World War I.
The US Air Force’s tweet marking Pride Month prompted so many hateful comments that it turned off comments a few hours ago. People are continuing to quote-tweet the message though. Again, most are negative but some are calling out the mock outrage.
Marines
The Air Force is not the first branch of the military to mark Pride Month. The Marines did so last year, although it controversially tweeted an image featuring rainbow-colored bullets.
President Joe Biden has tweeted several messages showing support for Pride Month 2023. Later today, he will host a Pride Month Celebration at the White House. Associated Press reports that “thousands” of LGBTQ+ individuals have been invited to attend.
Related*
George Santos marks Pride Month by trashing the rainbow flag
“I rather swim with sharks than be part of a cult that prays on kids!” Santos whined on Twitter.
Lauren Boebert marks Pride Month in her usual crappy fashion … while skipping debt ceiling vote
Boebert campaigned against the debt ceiling bill but didn’t bother showing up to vote.
Don't forget to share:
abfab
(from one of the above tweets)
jojomarks81??
@JoJoMarks4
I am so grateful that my husband, after 20 years of serving, is no longer a part of the USAF. My Dad who served 30 years would be devastated.
____
Wow, this is one presumptuous little bitch!
monty clift
Ugly bitch too judging by that face pfp. Something tells me there is no husband.
DBMC
People are such cowards. To take it down because a bunch of bigots complain? Have some guts Air Force.
abfab
The current Air Force motto.
WE DO THE IMPOSSIBLE EVERY DAY. The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win – airpower anytime, anywhere.
abfab
And let’s remember where the vast majority of the budget for the MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX comes from. Republican politicians who are so afraid of us, hate us, and fall to pieces by the mere thought of A LITTLE DRAG SHOW. Oh, call out the National Guard!!!!!!!!!!!!
The USAF is so effing filled with gays and lesbians it’s not funny. Some of the best pilots—-EVER!
Fahd
The Armed Services are and should be on the leading edge of implementing constitiutionally protected civil rights for the wider population. Social media allows the retrogrades to climb up from under their rocks, albeit briefly, but it is clear who is on the right side of history.
abfab
”should be”, but they are not. Your statement paints you as a simpleton.
Fahd
OMG, I forgot to turn off comments.
mildredspierce
Running, even in low heels and she still missed the vote on the debt ceiling. I think she’s “supplementing” her income. Meanwhile all her other tricks are backfiring….