Thanks to the extraordinary progress on gay rights in the U.S. military in recent years, images that were once hard to imagine are now becoming more common.
In December, for example, we saw a lesbian couple marking a time-honored Navy homecoming tradition with a celebrated "first kiss." Rather than being embarrassed by the display, the Navy posted the image on its official military website.
More recently, there's the above image of a gay pride flag flying at a U.S. military base in Afghanistan. Though some of the details -- which base, the identity of the man in the picture -- are unclear, news accounts suggest the photo was posted to Facebook by Nicole Jodice, whose husband is reportedly serving in Afghanistan.
Though the authenticity of the image has not yet been verified, I was nevertheless struck by the response published by Family Research Council president Tony Perkins, who argued that the pride flag represents a security risk (via ThinkProgress).
"Where is the concern now for angering Afghan Muslims, who vehemently oppose homosexuality? The issue is as much an issue of military security as it is of religious morality. After February's accident with the Korans, American lives were lost. What price will we pay because some want to use the military to show their gay pride?"
I'm curious: since when does Tony Perkins think we should appease the cultural beliefs of Afghan Muslims? Some of these same Afghans might vehemently oppose the ongoing presence of U.S. troops in their country, too. Does the Family Research Council think we should avoid flying the American flag out of fear this might offend them?
Or is it more likely Perkins doesn't want to see a gay pride flag in Afghanistan or anywhere else because he doesn't like gay people?
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In Other News, Tony Perkins announces contest to design the American Burkha.
And Rick Santorum calls President Obama the "N..." word. Scratch a radical "Christian," find a racist.
You are a dumb TW@T. Gay pride over service to our country. Worse of all flying the pelt licker, anal destoryer flag over the American Flag, how patriotic!
In the realm of "even a broken clock is right twice a day", Perkins - loathesome character that he is - does make a valid point about Muslim societies and homosexuals. OTOH, how likely is it the Afghans even know what the rainbow flag means?
Vast majority of the country has a 3rd grade education. They don't understand it. Though with the same education, I'm surprised FRC recognizes it......
No, I'm sure it's because Tony Perkins (and people of his ilk) are genuinely concerned about the safety of gays and lesbians serving in the military... we know how well the anti-bullying campaign is being received by the Family Research Council /snark/
Now THAT is a picture. Really.
This is what it looks like when the military fights for our liberty.
That is certainly not real. No American commander in Afghanistan would allow that to happen. The American flag and guidons approved by the Institute of Heraldry are the only banners displayed in a war zone. It's a great photoshop though. Even got almost all the details of flag's shadow correct as well.
That's my guess too. http://www.filthyliberal.com
I tried to find either similar pics of a soldier raising an American flag, or other versions/posts dealing with this photo. Most copy the one used here, but this site actually has a few different pics with the pride flag.
http://manhuntdaily.com/2012/03/gay-pride-in-the-military-over-afghanistan/
I'm not sure what investment an (apparently) straight couple might have, and the attached "this really is true, not photoshopped" smacks of possible fakery... but the added pics might allow folks to take a closer look at possible photoshopping.
Well there's also another possibility: it's not Photoshopped, but it's permanence has been misrepresented. It's quite possible it was put up only for a few seconds (for the photo shoot) before being taken down. Kind've like how Naval brats will sometimes do by raising pirate flags. It's not technically allowed, but sometimes people are able to sneak it on the flag pole.
Mouzer
You would know about Navy brats? Were you perhaps one and raised the Jolly Roger yourself? ;-)
That's officially. Unofficially, anything goes until powers that be say take it down.
Alas Maria no ;-)! But that'd be cool ;-)
There is a tradition of Naval personnel and in particular people at the Naval Academy attempting to hijack the official flag and raise different types of pirate flags. It could be (although I'm still not ruling out that it's Photoshopped, I was just adding that it's another possibility) that this flag was raised temporarily so that they could take pictures of it before they took it down.
Now that I think of it I had a friend from a site called Pyracy.com who, a Marine, when deployed to Iraq brought with him a Jolly Roger which he displayed sometimes. He posted pictures on-line sometimes.
The also vehemently oppose Christianity. Should they stop on base services lest they offend?
That's a good rhetorical point, but it's not entirely accurate or fair to Muslims, Afghan or otherwise. It is Muslim extremists who vehemently oppose Christianity, and even then, it's less Christianity they oppose than our culture as a whole.
Even Muslims recognize Jesus as one of the Prophets. They may not accept him as the Messiah, but they do accept him as one of the Prophets.
I really don't think that any flag other than the US flag or regimental colors should be allowed to be flown at a military post. This isn't about being anti-gay, it's just not done in the US or any other military. Our military is, and should be, proud of its gay members, but until the Army has a "Rainbow Brigade" the gay pride flag shouldn't be displayed. Gays shouldn't be perceived as receiving additional privileges or honors, as this will provoke dissent among those deployed.
@ Roberta...The USA army pays for ONLY christian churches to be bulit on bases in Afghanistan..at a cost to the taxpayer..I would say that is a special privlege..
The rainbow flag is used beyond representation of the gay community since it represents ALL sexual identities including heterosexual. It is also used in representing cultural diversity. The flag's association with only gay and lesbian representation is unfortunate. Adding a seventh colour, (violet between the blue and purple) changes entirely what it represents, the co-operative business community which has nothing to do with sexual identity. I have often seen people confusing the two.
Rainbow triangles and purple triangles were also used during WWII to let Jews know that they (the individual wearing the marker) were safe and would provide shelter. In fact Jehovah's Witnesses- who are not pro-homosexuality- unabashedly put these symbols on their church doors and on their peace worker's outfits during the WWII.
Symbols, like words, only have the meaning you intend to give them
Unless you've been in the military, you'd know lots of state flags, Confederate flags and everything else fly on a base by the troops. Just not off the main flag pole.
How offensive is to them that there are US military women in pants, driving, showing their faces, hair? Both US men and women intermingling? Both sexes housing, petting dogs?Drinking beer, dancing, singing? Lack of dietary restrictions?
Yet Tony Perkins is concerned about Afgan homophobia? Really?
Actually, as far as I know, they don't allow alcohol on base in Afghanistan. I know that they didn't in Iraq, according to a Marine buddy of mine who was stationed there.
I have heard the private contractors are sometimes able to sneak alcohol in. But otherwise yeah I'm pretty sure both Iraq and Afghanistan are dry countries.
Remember that private "security" firm that was in Afghanistan drinking alcohol out each others butt cracks? And Tony Perkins is worried about a flag?
I've been to both Iraq and Afghanistan. It depends on the base. There is no booze on American bases. However, some countries do allow alcohol on their bases. I couldn't drink on my coalition base in Afghanistan even though I could see alcohol in the "coffeeshop", because I would have also had to show my ID. There was no alcohol on my base in Iraq (though I heard the Brits had some available).
I wouldn't have anyway. Not because I was worried about getting caught. But at 12+ hours/day with no days off, I needed all my sleep.
This almost certainly a photo shopped image. As far as I know (Army Veteran) the only flags flown on base are American flags and various company flags approved by DOD.
Perkins reaction is certainly real, and as expected, full of crap.
Yeah, funny how the 'right' is worried how flying that gay pride flag could anger the Afghan people and put the US soldiers at risk, and yet, when the Quans were accidentally burned they thought Obama was in the wrong to apologize to them. Then there was the American soldier who killed all the Afghan people, and the 'right' once again are aghast that he is in so much trouble. Yeah, kinda makes me feel their sincere concern is a little cock-eyed.
http://sheikyermami.com/2008/06/22/afghanistan-thursday-night-is-boyz-night/
On American soil (that is, not on a base in another country) fine.
I go by the do unto others rule. I am not entirely sure, that if the roles were reversed, and some conquering army set up camp outside of Baltimore and started espousing symbols of subjugating women disallowing minority religions, -- or other things that they valued, and we did not -- how much I would support something like that.
Yes, we value the ability here, and everywhere for Gays to be gay and out and self identified. It is a good value to have. It is a good value for our military forces and other corners of our society to have. I would like to see Afganistan come to the same realization, and adopt those values. (and a huge number of other countries as well.)
But on their own terms, not at point of a bayonet by an invading, conquering army.
...And that is what we are, there, precisely.
You're absolutely correct, Bill. We have to use subtlety and diplomacy in dealing with other people, and prancing into a country still basically living in the Stone Age and flying a Pride Flag isn't going to win us any friends. Let's begin by simply encouraging them not to kill gays- the Pride Flag can come later. Baby steps.
And again- the pride flag does not represent homosexuality universally. This is a sad, but inaccurate misconception in modern times.
Of course Tony and the FRC are behind muslims - with guns and torches.....
The flag is real... it's the rest of the picture that was photoshopped. (LOL)
I loathe Tony Perkins, and all the people in that whole "family" crowd. But I do think there is a point to be made about how we as Americans approach gay rights here at home- and how we deal with the issue abroad. It's important for us to recognize how STRONGLY people in, uh, "developing" nations are opposed to homosexuality. By pushing them too far, too fast on the topic, we will do nothing but encourage anti-American sentiment in various regions of the world- something we cannot afford to do. We need to work in increments, and with subtlety. A great place to start would be simply to persuade these other countries not to kill people for being gay. The pride flag can come later.
"Or is it more likely Perkins doesn't want to see a gay pride flag in Afghanistan or anywhere else because he doesn't like gay people?"
Steve, I'm shocked that you would question the integrity and motives of such an august and noble personage as the Right Reverend Anthony Perkins. What is the world coming to when such a humble and self-sacrificing decent human being has to endure such abuse? Why the next thing is that someone suggests that he come out of the closet and not torment himself with his hidden urges. Don't you know that he endures the mental torture solely for the good of everyone else?
"...Afghan Muslims, who vehemently oppose homosexuality"
Wow, Tony! You seem to be in bed with (GASP) Muslims on that one!!!!
Tanks, drones, roadside bombs, an invading "christian" army, female soldiers, an even worse economy than before, night raids, soldiers gone berserk, a resurgent Taliban......yeah, I'm guessing a single colorful striped flag on some obscure post is what keeps Afghani's up at night. (Kind of like gay porn does for Tony)
It's important for us to remember how STRONGLY people in, uh, "developing" nations object to homosexuality. By pushing them too far, too fast on this issue, we will do nothing but encourage furious anti-American sentiment around the world- something we cannot afford to do. We need to act with subtlety regarding homosexuality in these regions; simply encouraging these governments (and citizens) not to kill people for being gay is a great place to start. The pride flag can come later; the work that needs to be done in the immediate present is much more elemental.
Photoshop or not..I"ts got everyones panties in a knott...haha..Roberta....the USA already pays for only christan churches to built on bases in Afghanistan ..I would call that a special privilage..
Not to rain on anyone's pride parade, but a lot of the rest of the world recognize this flag as the PACE (peace) flag.
Well what would you expect from a Christian who says he doesn't allow just anybody to come into his church. This is why the people on the far right scare me. He and his followers are no better than the Taliban militants they just wear suits.
No way this is real. Not because the military would object to gays, necessarily, but because there are actual rules for flag-flying that are especially important in the military, both for historical and legal reasons. I don't believe this one for a second.
Even if a rainbow flag were being flown on a base, no way would it be allowed to fly so high, either, and certainly not instead of and/or nowhere near an American flag.
Worried about offending Afghan Muslims with gay pride flag, but not worried about offending muslims by burning the Qu'ran?
Odd logic there.
It's not photoshopped. There are more photos: http://unicornbooty.com/blog/2012/03/26/gay-pride-flag-raised-over-u-s-military-base-in-afghanistan/