‘I refuse to go back in hiding’: ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ days loom large during Pride Day parade at Yokosuka

[Tony]

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — Twelve years ago, the U.S. military prohibited LGBTQ+ service members from disclosing their sexuality — what one sailor described as a “silent attack” on her existence — but those sentiments were nowhere to be found at a Pride Day parade here Wednesday.

Rather than hiding part of their identity or their support for the LGBTQ+ community, about 70 sailors and civilians paraded through the streets of this naval base sporting rainbow-themed outfits and flags.