For the first time, the Pentagon recognized June as Gay Pride month, with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta acknowledging service members in a video released June 15.
"As we recognize Pride Month, I want to personally thank all of all of our gay, lesbian service members, LGBT civilians and their families for their dedicated service to our country," Panetta said. "Before the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' you faithfully served your country with professionalism and courage. Just like your fellow service members, you put your country before yourself. Now, after repeal, you can be proud of serving your country and proud of who you are when in uniform."
Department of Defense actuaries keep statistics on military demographics, but do not track the number of gay, lesbian and bisexual people who are serving. However, a 2010 report authored by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law puts that number at an estimated 70,000.
"Going forward," Panetta said, "I remain committed to removing as many barriers as possible to make America's military a model of equal opportunity, to ensure all who are qualified can serve in America's military, and to give every man and woman in uniform the opportunity to rise to their highest potential."