Ramstein Air Base in Germany recently held a "Reading with PRIDE" story hour for children at the base library. The event, held on June 15th, featured volunteers reading books emphasizing inclusion to children in a rainbow-decorated room designated as a "safe space." Images from the event were shared on the base's official Facebook page.
This event follows a canceled "Drag Queen Storytime" at the same base last year, which drew criticism from service members and parents. Another drag show planned for a base bar earlier this month was also canceled following new Defense Department guidance prohibiting such events on military installations. This guidance stemmed from concerns raised by lawmakers about several planned drag shows on bases.
The timing of the "Reading with PRIDE" event coincides with an ongoing military recruiting crisis. Critics argue that the military's increasing focus on what they perceive as "woke" policies has alienated potential recruits. However, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth has countered these claims, asserting that the military is not "woke" and blaming such criticism for exacerbating the recruitment challenges.
Ramstein Air Base leadership stated that the "Reading with PRIDE" event was command-approved and aimed to promote a respectful and inclusive environment. They emphasized that attendance was voluntary and complied with DoD directives, reiterating that the base does not host drag events.
