This was just how we lived our compartmentalized life." "We were so protective of that off-the-grid life that we never gave any of you the opportunity to start a conversation with us about what our life might be outside the workplace. "I had my set of off-the-grid friends, those were members of the gay and lesbian community, and we lived an entirely separate life from what was our regular life," she said. Smith spoke about her military career and how she felt she had to live two separate lives - her life at work and her private life. "The Stonewall Riots are considered the starting point of the modern gay rights revolution," she said.
Smith explained that Pride Month is celebrated in June to coincide with the Stonewell Riots, which occurred June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn, located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. "It's about the ability to be authentic, so when we celebrate Pride we are actually celebrating the fact that we value our people." The general said she believes the Pride celebration is a celebration of authenticity. "We have to make sure on all fronts that we know that we welcome all talented people regardless of their background, regardless of where they come from, regardless of what their family is, regardless of who they love." We have to be able to compete for the best talent. "Inclusion and diversity matter because of what we do in the military. Tammy Smith, deputy chief of staff, Army Reserve, was the guest speaker for the event, which was attended by her wife, Tracy, and a large number of BAMC and ISR staff. JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON (BAMC Public Affairs June 26, 2015) - Brooke Army Medical Center and the Institute of Surgical Research held their first event to commemorate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Month today.īrig. Tammy Smith (center), deputy chief of staff, Army Reserve. Tabitha Gavia present a framed copy of the LGBT Pride Month Presidential Proclamation to Brig. Gary Cooper, commander, Brooke Army Medical Center Troop Command, and Command Sgt.