Photo By Chief Petty Officer Ian Cotter | YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 26, 2021) — Participants march during the first annual Pride...... read more read more
YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 26, 2021) - Military members and their families participated in the inaugural Pride March and Festival in recognition of the LGBTQ+ community serving in the armed forces at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), June 26.
The celebration, spearheaded by junior Sailors from Navy Medicine and Readiness Training Command (NMTRC) Yokosuka and the CFAY Multi-Cultural Committee (MCC), greeted more than 275 people who attended the event, which included a march, resource booths, games, music, food, and refreshments at Kosano Park, onboard CFAY.
“We’ve come a long way in a short amount of time, and this is a celebration for being different,” said Hospitalman Felina R. Sabisaje, president of NMRTC’s Junior Enlisted Sailor Association (JESA). “Having this much diversity is what our community truly stands for.”
For months, JESA collaborated with senior enlisted leaders from NMRTC and CFAY, navigating a multitude of changes as plans for the event grew.
Participants marched from the hospital to Purdy Gym where they were doused with celebratory, multi-colored powder along the way. Afterwards, the festival at Kosano Park continued the celebration with a barbecue, live DJ, face painting, USO door prizes, and various resource opportunities.
During the march, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class, Joshua Ancheta, executive assistant to NMRTC’s command master chief, highlighted his motivation for the festival. “The best way for others to understand who we are as an LGBTQ community is if we create an opportunity to be seen in a positive way. Today’s events and resources did that with passion.”
Fire Controlman (Aegis) 1st Class, Stephen Osiecsonek, president of the MCC, explained that as the event transformed into something larger there were questions regarding how such an experience would be received. “This event was really amazing, it turned out way better than any of us expected,” said Osiecsonek. “The pride experienced today will continue to build, collectively and into the future.”
During closing remarks, Capt. Rich Jarrett, CFAY’s commanding officer, detailed the significance of support for a cause that faced significant hurdles but ultimately overcame the policies of the past.
“We need to continue to stick together and support one another,” said Jarrett. “I encourage you as friends, shipmates, and allies to continue to always stand up for one another, today and in the future.”
For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.
| Date Taken: | 06.26.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 07.01.2021 22:19 |
| Story ID: | 400276 |
| Location: | YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 116 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, CFAY Paces Forward with Pride March and Festival, by Edward Holland, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
