Calls Grow to Replace Pride Month with Veterans Month: Could Congress Make the Change?

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new proposal making its way through conservative circles and gaining traction among certain lawmakers suggests that June, currently recognized as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, should instead be officially declared “Veterans Month” in the United States.

The suggestion, originally floated by a group of Republican legislators and veteran advocacy groups earlier this year, aims to shift national recognition in June toward honoring U.S. military veterans. Supporters of the idea argue that the contributions and sacrifices made by military personnel deserve more sustained, visible national recognition. But the proposal has stirred heated debate across the country and inside the halls of Congress, where cultural, political, and constitutional questions loom large.

A Shift in National Focus?

Currently, June is widely observed as Pride Month in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a watershed moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Over the years, corporations, politicians, and cities nationwide have marked the month with rainbow-themed events, campaigns, and parades. Presidents from both parties have issued proclamations acknowledging Pride Month, though the level of emphasis has varied depending on the administration.

The new push to designate June as Veterans Month instead would not remove the current federal observances already honoring veterans—Veterans Day in November and Memorial Day in May—but would, according to supporters, expand awareness and appreciation for those who have served in the Armed Forces.

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with recognizing LGBTQ+ Americans,” said Rep. Mark Henderson (R-TX), who introduced a draft resolution in April. “But we believe that the month of June could be better used to honor the men and women who risked everything for our freedoms, including the very freedom to express oneself, which Pride Month celebrates.”

Henderson and his allies argue that one day or a few ceremonial moments each year are not enough to truly acknowledge the contributions of U.S. veterans, especially as issues such as PTSD, homelessness, and suicide among veterans remain critical national concerns.

Veteran Groups Divided

The proposal has sparked debate among veterans themselves. Some support the idea, feeling that their service is overshadowed by what they perceive as more culturally driven observances.

“I served 22 years in the Marines. I lost friends in combat. We get one day, and it’s barely noticed by younger generations,” said retired Marine Corps officer Tim Watkins of Indiana. “If Pride gets a whole month, why not us?”

However, many veteran organizations have pushed back against the idea of replacing Pride Month, advocating instead for expanded veteran recognition that doesn’t come at the expense of marginalized communities.

“The suggestion that one group’s recognition should replace another’s is divisive and unhelpful,” said Jessica Luna, spokesperson for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). “Veterans are not in competition with the LGBTQ+ community. Many of our members are LGBTQ+ themselves.”

Indeed, the intersection of the two groups is significant. According to a 2021 Department of Defense report, more than 6% of active-duty service members identify as LGBTQ+, a number that has likely grown in recent years due to policy changes and increased visibility.

Political and Cultural Flashpoint

The proposal arrives during a time of heightened cultural polarization in the U.S., with debates over gender, sexuality, patriotism, and the role of the military taking center stage in political campaigns and media discourse.

The resolution introduced by Rep. Henderson has drawn predictable partisan responses. Republican lawmakers in both chambers have expressed support, with some describing the effort as a long-overdue correction of what they perceive as cultural overreach.

Senator Marjorie Caldwell (R-AL), a co-sponsor of the Senate version of the resolution, told Fox News in May: “We’re proud of all Americans, but it’s time to put our priorities straight. Veterans protected this country. We should be spending more time teaching our children about sacrifice, discipline, and honor.”

Democrats have strongly opposed the measure, calling it a “culture war stunt” aimed at rolling back hard-fought LGBTQ+ visibility.

“Let’s be clear,” said Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), “this proposal isn’t about honoring veterans. It’s about silencing another group. We can honor both. We should honor both.”

Will It Pass?

As of early June, the resolution remains in committee in both the House and Senate. Political analysts say its chances of passing in the current divided Congress are slim, especially given that it is not a binding bill but a symbolic declaration.

“Even if this somehow reached the floor, it would be dead on arrival in the Senate unless there’s a dramatic political shift,” said political scientist Dr. Linda Martin of Georgetown University. “But as a cultural statement, it carries weight. These types of proposals often serve more to rally a base than to legislate policy.”

In practical terms, replacing Pride Month with Veterans Month would be largely symbolic unless codified by an act of Congress or acknowledged by presidential proclamation. Currently, Pride Month is not an official federal holiday or mandated observance; it is recognized by custom and executive statements.

President Joe Biden, a vocal supporter of both the LGBTQ+ community and veterans, has issued annual proclamations recognizing both groups, including an expansive Pride Month proclamation earlier this month.

“America is a nation built on freedom and dignity,” Biden wrote. “This month, we celebrate the courage of LGBTQ+ individuals who fought for equality—and the veterans who served this country to defend those ideals.”

Public Sentiment and the Road Ahead

Polls on the proposal are mixed and largely reflect partisan divides. A recent Gallup survey found that 55% of Americans support Pride Month, including 80% of Democrats and 28% of Republicans. Meanwhile, 83% of respondents said they believe veterans deserve “more national recognition,” though few supported removing other groups’ observances to accomplish that.

Public discourse continues on social media, where hashtags like #VeteransMonth and #KeepPrideMonth have trended concurrently. The debate has spilled into school board meetings, city councils, and even church services across the country.

Some cities have tried to bridge the gap. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, for example, the mayor recently announced a local observance recognizing both groups throughout June, with alternating events and shared memorials.

Conclusion

The effort to replace Pride Month with Veterans Month is unlikely to result in legislative success in 2025, but it illustrates the ongoing tensions in how Americans define patriotism, recognition, and inclusion. Rather than a zero-sum game, many advocates are calling for a more inclusive approach that honors the diverse fabric of the nation—including both those who have served in uniform and those who continue to fight for civil rights.

As debates continue, the underlying question remains: In a country as pluralistic as the United States, must one group’s recognition come at the cost of another’s?

For now, June remains both Pride Month and a time when many reflect on military service—albeit unofficially. Whether Congress will take steps to redefine it is still unclear, but the cultural conversation is far from over.