The US Navy has deleted its Pride posts on social media and removed its rainbow banner just two days into Pride Month as it continues to distance itself from controversial topics.
On Thursday – the first day of Pride Month – the US Navy reportedly changed its social media banners with a multi-colored photo of Navy gear strewn with pride flags.
A day later, the Navy’s profiles have all switched to a photo taken from an airplane flying past a Navy ship.
In addition, it removed posts from Twitter and Instagram in which the Navy said it was “proud of all our sailors.”
“Those who have raised their right hands with certainty in the service of our nation in uncertain times to protect and preserve liberty for all. #PrideMonth,” the message read.
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro released a statement on Pride Month Friday afternoon, writing, “The Department of the Navy (DON) joins the nation in promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex people. (LBGTQI+) to celebrate. ) Pride Month during the month of June.
On Thursday – the first day of Pride Month – the US Navy reportedly changed its social media banners with a multi-colored photo of Navy gear strewn with pride flags
A day later, the Navy’s profiles have all switched to a photo taken from an airplane flying past a Navy ship
“Members of the DON’s LGBTQI+ community have served from every base, ship, shipyard and facility. Pride Month is of great importance to this community and their allies as it commemorates the 1960 Stonewall Riots as a foundation for LBBTQI+ individuals to discover and celebrate their inherent pride.
“Today, LBGTQI+ sailors, marines, civilians and contractors work with their peers to develop creative solutions to today’s complex maritime challenges, defending our nation to carry out our mission and defeat our adversaries.”
It was not explained why the messages and banner were removed. DailyMail.com has reached out for comment.
In emails reviewed by Fox newsNavy officials said they were hesitant to allow followers to comment on Pride Month posts because of the expected backlash from “trolls and ugliness.”
Another official referred to homophobic followers as “bigots” and “a**holes.”
In addition, it removed posts from Twitter and Instagram in which the Navy said it was “proud of all our sailors.”
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro in a statement in support of Pride Month
Del Toro wrote, “The Department of the Navy (DON) joins the Nation in celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LBGTQI+) Pride Month in June
Recently, the Navy attempted to move away from controversial topics and canceled a drag show that was scheduled to take place at Nellis Base in Nevada.
The show was shut down by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, who argued that such events are “not an appropriate use of federal funds and resources.”
The event — which encouraged friends and neighbors to participate, with no minimum age — was initially approved by Air Force officials before being shot down by the nation’s top buyers.
Milley was “visibly angry” when informed of the event, sources said NBC.
The DOD gave two options: cancel the tow performance or remove it from military grounds. It’s unclear if the event will be rescheduled or if the Pentagon is planning another event instead.
The Air Force Base has hosted the drag show for the past two years.
The move comes after Austin said drag shows are not something the Pentagon is funding at a House Armed Services hearing in March.
The Pentagon canceled a drag show scheduled for Thursday at Nevada’s Nellis Air Force Base to kick off Pride month
“Consistent with Secretary of State Austin’s congressional testimony, drag events will not be hosted at military installations or facilities,” a US Defense Department official said.
Sabrina Singh, deputy press secretary of the Department of Defense, issued a statement to Dailymail.com that read, “Under DoD Joint Ethics Regulation (JER), certain criteria must be met for individuals or organizations acting in a non-federal capacity to facilities and equipment.”
“As Secretary Austin has said, the DOD will not host drag events at U.S. military installations or facilities. Hosting events like this in government-funded facilities violates regulations regarding the use of DoD assets.”
“We are proud to serve alongside every young American who takes the oath that risks his life in defense of our country,” she added. “Service members and their families are often involved in a variety of special interest activities related to their personal hobbies, beliefs and backgrounds.”
The planned drag show would feature Lawanda Jackson, Coco Montrese and Carnie Asada.
Montrese, who starred on RuPaul’s Drag Race, claimed the show was privately funded and did not use taxpayer money.