Flynn pushed for Transgender in the Military https://www.dia.mil/News/Articles/Article-View/Article/566994/dia-celebrates-pride-month-be-proud-of-who-you-are/ June 20, 2014 —
Building on the momentum from last year’s Pride Month event and other Pride events throughout the intelligence community, DIA hosted its second annual Pride Month event June 18 at its headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Kristin Beck, the first openly transgender retired Navy SEAL, was the keynote speaker, and the event featured a panel of military officials at DIA who addressed current issues facing the LGBT community and addressed policies affecting the community in the DOD.
DIA Director Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn’s opening remarks stressed the importance of maximizing the potential of every employee at DIA.
“I want everybody to come in every day to be their best,” Flynn said. “I don’t want people to be worrying about who they are or that somebody might say something negative. We can’t live like that.”
Fostering an inclusive and accepting environment that is comfortable and proud of its diversity has been one of the core principles for Flynn during his time at DIA. He concluded his remarks simply, but firmly: “Be proud of who you are.”