To the editor: As every day goes by, the Trump administration makes abundantly clear its intentions to erase the protections for and contributions of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood. It has threatened to chop federal funds over transgender college students competing in athletics, refused to acknowledge Pleasure Month, is forcing the elimination of our transgender navy members from service and is now reportedly contemplating renaming a naval ship. This ship was named after Harvey Milk, who was not solely a fierce fighter for homosexual rights however who additionally served 4 years within the Navy (“Strip the name of gay rights icon Harvey Milk from a Navy ship? California leaders are furious,” June 3). When requested concerning the experiences, Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth mentioned, partially, that the names of our navy property ought to mirror a “warrior ethos.” That incorporates not solely a gross implication, however it’s additionally extremely insulting to hundreds of troopers who proudly and bravely serve our nation, previous and current.
All these ignorant and bigoted makes an attempt to disclaim a whole inhabitants won’t work. LGBTQ+ persons are right here and they’ll proceed to be right here whether or not you prefer it or not.
Throughout this Pleasure Month, which was based as a response to the violence and injustices geared toward this neighborhood, I ask each ally like me to face up and converse out. Don’t simply say “love is love” — converse in opposition to the assaults aimed on the LGBTQ+ neighborhood proper now. This administration is emboldening hate like by no means earlier than, which has put LGBTQ+ folks in nice peril. Stand aspect by aspect with them, converse boldly concerning the injustices and supply them with safety.
Germaine Miles, Redlands
..
To the editor: So, Milk’s identify may be faraway from the ship named in his honor as a result of Hegseth needs the identify to be “reflective” of a “warrior ethos” and President Trump’s priorities. I’d wish to counsel a brand new identify: USS Bone Spurs.
John Hawekotte, Fullerton
..
To the editor: As a Chilly Conflict vet of six years’ service, my solely taking pictures was coaching on the rifle vary at Marine Corps Base Quantico in 1957. As such, I’ve at all times had the utmost respect and admiration for any American who has survived fight.
Milk served in fight within the Korean Conflict, and he was an officer in our Navy. That’s adequate for me. The White Home’s contempt for the American folks appears to know no bounds.
Warren Cereghino, Santa Monica
