DHS Commemorates LGBT Pride Month

Ed. Note: This is a cross-post from the Department of Homeland Security blog.

Every day, DHS employees around the world work to ensure the security of our country. They work along our borders, in our airports, in federal buildings and throughout the maritime domain. There are also countless DHS employees that Americans don’t see. At the DHS Pride Ceremony today, I had the opportunity to speak with and thank some of our LGBT employees for their dedication to our Department and our important mission. 

Secretary Napolitano meets with the DHS Pride Board of Directors. (Photo courtesy of the Department of Homeland Security)

Over the last three years, we have worked to build One DHS, helping to unify the youngest, and one of the largest, Cabinet agencies. DHS has taken a number of key steps to foster an environment where everyone has the opportunity to advance and thrive. At the Pride Ceremony, I spoke about our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all employees and the important role groups like DHS Pride have in building that common culture.

We are ever mindful of the significance of our work and the events that gave rise to our department as we continue to strengthen the safety, security, and resilience of our nation. As we look forward, we will continue to work together to address new and emerging challenges while maturing and strengthening the homeland security enterprise.

Janet Napolitano is the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.