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News | June 29, 2017

Distribution Multicultural Committee celebrates LGBT Pride Month

By DLA Distribution Public Affairs DLA Distribution Public Affairs

DLA Distribution’s Multicultural Committee celebrated the history of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month with a program on Wednesday, June 21. 

DLA Distribution deputy commander Twila C. Gonzales, Senior Executive Service welcomed everyone in attendance and gave a brief synopsis on the history of LGBT Month and why it is recognized by the Department of Defense and DLA Distribution, she then introduced the keynote speaker, Shaashawn Dial-Snowden, president of the Board of Directors for the LGBT Center of Central Pennsylvania.

“Diversity is one of our nation’s greatest strengths. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride month, we celebrate our rich diversity and renew our enduring commitment to equality,” explained Gonzales.

To begin her presentation, Dial-Snowden, a published author and poet, performed a poem to introduce herself to the audience.

Dial-Snowden’s emphasis was the importance of inclusion. “When I recite LGBTQQ2S, I am saying that I see you. Labels are meaningful. Definitions ARE important.”

Dial-Snowden is currently pursuing a doctorate in administration and leadership studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania Dixon Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Additionally, her education includes a Master in Public Administration from Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania; a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, law and rhetoric from Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri; Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising in Higher Education from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas; LGBTQ Academy Gay Alliance Safe Zone Train-the-Trainer Certification from Rochester, New York, and 14 Stories Gay Wedding Institute Certification and graduate of Diversity Leadership Academy in Harrisburg.

Additionally, the national anthem was performed by Matt Williams, deputy director of DLA Distribution Future Plans directorate. Pastor James Mott, chief of support services, provided the invocation.

LGBT Pride Month is celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City. The Stonewall riots were a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

 DLA Distribution supports the DLA Equal Employment Opportunity vision to ensure consistent programs of equality, diversity and inclusion for all employees that empower the workforce to achieve their full potential and unify the workforce to achieve the mission.