US Marines celebrate Pride with rainbow bullets. Yes, really

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The US Marine Corps is facing considerable backlash from all sides after an LGBTQ+ Pride tweet that featured rainbow-tipped bullets.

The Marine Corps marked the first day of Pride Month  on Wednesday (June 1) by proclaiming its support for LGBTQ+ marines.

“Throughout June, the USMC takes pride in recognising and honouring the contributions of our LGBTQ+ service members,” it tweeted.

“We remain committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination, and defend the values of treating all equally, with dignity and respect.”

The message was accompanied by a picture of a military helmet with six rainbow-tipped bullets and a strap that reads “proud to serve.”

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Throughout June, the USMC takes #Pride in recognizing and honoring the contributions of our LGBTQ service members. We remain committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination, and defend the values of treating all equally, with dignity and respect.#PrideMonth #USMC pic.twitter.com/MOyvFmyJiB

— U.S. Marines (@USMC) June 1, 2022

The move was immediately criticised from all sides. LGBTQ+ people were bewildered at best and outraged at worst, while right-wing pundits lambasted the so-called “virtue signalling.”

“LGBTQ+ people do NOT want to be used as expendable tools in institutions that want them extinct,” said one user, saying it had the “same energy” as a recent police recruitment ad that made use of the Pride flag.

Same energy. LGBTQ+ people do NOT want to be used as expendable tools in institutions that want them extinct https://t.co/AKcBCRlfRq

— Left Catholic Geek