The Department of Defense (DOD)n spent time, money and resources to make a coloring book for children…that is Pride-themed. The DOD’s contribution to Pride month is the theme “Equality Without Exception – Pride In All Who Serve.”
During Pride month, the DOD has planned to host activities through various sub-agencies, including parades and family story hours. the Daily Caller News Foundation found that the activity booklet is geared toward younger audiences, according to DOD’s Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI), which is noted on the final page as having published the book and was promoted to children by other DOD entities.
Yesterday, the Pentagon hosted its 12th Annual LGBTQ+ Pride Ceremony. We celebrate the honor and service, commitment, and sacrifice of our LGBTQ+ service members. The DoD is committed to inclusion and using diversity as a strength for our Services.
View some of today’s speakers: pic.twitter.com/tguAzLruAE
— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) June 8, 2023
The coloring book will be distributed all month. “The Activity Book is designed to share with your younger event attendees but can be enjoyed by all ages. It showcases coloring pages and encourages learning through games and activities,” DEOMI wrote.
“Members of the LGBTQI+ community serve their country, fully contribute to the DoD mission, and deserve a welcoming environment which enables them to reach their full potential,” Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Gilbert Cisneros wrote in a memo inaugurating DOD’s 2023 Pride month observance.
“During the month of June, we recognize and value the contributions of the DoD civilian employees and Service members in the LGBTQI+ community who serve our country,” Cisneros said.
Compared to other materials being published on the topic of LGBTQI+ directed towards children, the DOD activity book is mild. The Daily Caller reports:
The first page shows a flag with each line labeled one color of the rainbow, encouraging children to embellish the flag accordingly. “Respect, dignity” and “service” are written in the flag.
Other drawings are marked with slogans urging children to “think before you speak” and “use your smile to change the world.” Another activity is aimed at reinforcing the idea that harsh words can damage someone else’s heart.
A quote emblazoned on the final page, “We are all unique, and have our own special place in the puzzle of the universe,” highlights a depiction of a globe cracked open, with puzzle pieces spilling out.