JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas – Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of Air Education and Training Command, to host the seventh episode of AETC Real Talk: Race and Diversity in the Air Force, June 17 at 3 p.m. Central time, CDT, on AETC’s Facebook page.
The episode will focus on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex population within the Air Force. Joining Webb for this discussion will be Brig. Gen. Brenda Cartier, incoming AETC director of operations and communications.
“The commitment to service by LGBTQI+ Airmen adds to the inclusivity and rich diversity of the Air Force family,” said Webb. “I am looking forward to this conversation and discussing more about the topic of belonging. Diversity, when harnessed, provides an asymmetric advantage that is ultimately a warfighting imperative.”
On Dec. 22, 2010, the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal Act became law. Certification occurred in July 2011, and full implementation of the act occurred in September 2011. This allowed lesbian, gay and bi-sexual military members to serve openly in the U.S. Armed Forces.
On April 28, 2014, the Pentagon released an update to the Department of Defense Human Goals Charter, which for the first time, included language related to sexual orientation in the section dealing with the military. The charter reads, "Our nation was founded on the principle that each individual has infinite dignity and worth. The Department of Defense, which exists to keep the nation secure and at peace, must always be guided by this principle. In all that we do, we must show respect for service members, civilian employees, and family members, recognizing their individual needs, aspirations, and capabilities."
AETC Real Talk highlights The First Command’s priority to cultivate an environment of excellence for all Airmen.
To watch all six episodes of AETC Real Talks visit https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/AETCDiversityandInclusion