I don't get it. Painfully unfunny.
Posted on 08/26/2004 10:52:56 AM PDT by presidio9
The Royal Air Force is to become the first of the Armed Forces to take part in a gay pride festival.
Eight officers from the force will man a float at Manchester's gay pride event this weekend.
The RAF says it is part of a recruitment drive to show how the military welcomes people from different backgrounds.
A spokesman said: "Along with the other Armed Forces, the RAF tries to reflect the community from which it draws it members.
"We have recruitment policies that recognise that people from different backgrounds can make positive contributions. An individual's sexual orientation is none of the RAF's business."
Until January last year, the forces were legally allowed to dismiss gay and lesbian officers. However, a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights said the ban breached people's right to a private life.
Last month, Brian Paddick, deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, marched with 100 uniformed gay police officers at London Gay Pride.
I don't get it. Painfully unfunny.
Hmmmmmmmmm.....considering British military history, I would have thought it would have been members of the Brigade of Guards who would have been marching in a gay pride parade. Anyone familiar with the old canard of "A Guardsman in the park"?
Always wondered about Biggles' relationship with Ginger.
I'm surprised it wasn't the Royal Navy -- known for "rum, sodomy and the lash" in the immortal words of Churchill.
Rum, buggery, and the lash -- that's how the Royal Navy got by.
Oh, Possums, do be sure to wear matching outfits at the parade! Being an oppressed minority is not an excuse for being unfashionable!
Rule 1: NO POOFTAHS!
My dad, who was a Master Sgt in the RAF, must be spinning in his grave.
I'll never think about our "Special Relationship" with the British the same way again.
"They say the navy makes men, well, they made me..."
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