FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Jenna Smith was decorating a special vehicle on Friday.

What You Need To Know

  • June is recognized as Pride Month for the LGBTQ+ community

  • Hundreds came to a Pride Month celebration at the VA Medical Center in Fayetteville

  • Almost 1 million LGBTQ+ veterans are served by the VA, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs

It was one of several that would be a part of a parade at the Pride Month celebration at Fayetteville’s VA Medical Center on Raeford Road.

What made the vehicle special?

It belongs to Smith’s father, a military veteran.

 

Smith says when she came out more than a decade ago, her family completely supported her. And her dad lent her his vehicle to drive in the Pride Parade at the VA.

“So…I came out when I was 16. And my dad is a military man,” Smith said. “And I was very nervous about it. But he accepted me just as I am. I am his daughter.”

Along with a lot of fun and excitement, there were about 30 exhibits providing information and support.

Cindy Corey is a retired sergeant first class who served 20 years in the U.S Army. Some of those years were spent at Fort Liberty.

Corey was also decorating a vehicle to drive in the parade.

“Part of the government is at least realizing that we exist and supporting us. And that’s the best feeling in the world,” Corey said.

As the parade began, Smith felt a lot of joy and gratitude for the support she had received.

“It is amazing," she said. "I can do nothing but thank my parents for being so accepting.”