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The U.S. Navy has recently disclosed that they reached out to a ‘drag queen influencer’ in an effort to encourage new recruits to join the military. This influencer goes by the name of Yeoman 2nd Class Joshua Kelley, or ‘Harpy Daniels’ on stage, and announced his position as the Navy’s ‘Digital Ambassador’ in November 2022. Kelley is quite popular, with over 1.3 million likes on TikTok. It’s worth mentioning that, while Kelley’s Instagram bio clarifies that his opinions ‘are not endorsed by DoD or DoN,’ he has reportedly performed in drag for service officers on multiple occasions, even sharing a video from 2018.
Kelley was part of the Navy’s Digital Ambassador initiative, which took place from October 2022 to March 2023. The program was developed with the aim to explore the digital landscape to connect with a wide range of potential recruits. According to a Navy spokesperson, this initiative was undertaken as the Navy is currently facing ‘the most challenging recruiting environment since the start of the all-volunteer force.’
WE'RE DOOMED: U.S. Navy deploys ‘drag queen influencer’ to boost recruitment among youth pic.twitter.com/KjpAk8DO1P
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 4, 2023
The spokesperson went on to explain that no compensation was given to YN2 Kelley or any other Navy Digital Ambassadors for their involvement in the program. The pilot has now ended, and an evaluation is being conducted to determine the future of the program. Interestingly, this initiative came at a time when the Navy is experiencing a significant recruitment crisis.
According to a survey from the Ronald Reagan Institute, a mere 13% of 18-29-year-olds express high willingness to join the military. Additionally, 25% are ‘somewhat willing,’ while 26% are ‘not willing at all.’ Kelley has been open about his role as a ‘Digital Ambassador’ for the Navy on Instagram, sharing his appreciation.
He wrote, ‘Joining in 2016 and being able to share my drag experience on my off time with my fellow sailors has been a blessing. This experience has brought me so much strength, courage, and ambition to continue being an advocate and representation of queer sailors!’
Kelley also expressed his gratitude to the Navy for this opportunity, saying, ‘I don’t speak for the Navy but simply sharing my experience in the Navy! Hooyah, and let’s go Slay!’ This incident involving drag queens in the military is just one aspect of a larger debate around gender ideology within the Navy and other branches of the U.S. armed forces.
In March, nearly two dozen House Democrats proposed legislation to prevent the Department of Defense from discriminating against transgender individuals who wish to serve in the military. This bill, introduced by Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., is focused on stopping any future attempts by Republicans to reinstate former President Trump’s ban on enlisting individuals with gender dysphoria or those who have undergone gender transitioning.
The Biden Pentagon tells us wokeness doesn’t affect recruiting. If that is true, why are Navy recruiters being given talking points and guidance on what to say if asked about the Navy drag queen influencer? ???
Also, the guidance is to double down on wokeness and cite the… https://t.co/rzl5kkq3As
— Kristina Wong ?? (@kristina_wong) May 5, 2023
Jacobs stated, ‘Anyone willing and able to serve our country should be able to serve authentically.’ However, some Republicans hold differing views. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., for example, introduced legislation earlier this year that would impose certain restrictions on transgender individuals serving in the military.
Sen. Rubio voiced his concern that President Biden has turned the military into a ‘woke social experiment,’ criticizing the focus on such issues as pronouns. Rubio believes that the military’s priorities should be centered on addressing threats from countries like China, Russia, and North Korea, rather than focusing on matters relating to gender ideology.
As the Navy strives to attract new recruits in the midst of a recruitment crisis, the integration of drag queens into their Digital Ambassador program reflects the military’s effort to appeal to a younger and more diverse audience. While this approach has drawn both praise and criticism, it raises important questions about representation and inclusivity within the military.
For those in the conservative demographic, it’s essential to acknowledge the debate surrounding gender identity and the military. The ongoing discussions about drag queens serving as ambassadors and the potential impact on military personnel raise concerns about the possible implications for national security and military readiness.
As Americans, it is our responsibility to ensure that our service members are given the resources they need to defend our nation effectively. Whether one leans conservative or liberal, supporting the military is crucial for the safety and security of the United States.
It’s important to remember that this story about drag queens in the military is only one piece of the larger puzzle concerning gender ideology and its role in the armed forces. As these conversations continue, it’s essential to remain informed and engaged on this topic.
In conclusion, the U.S. Navy’s decision to use a drag queen influencer to connect with potential recruits is a bold move in response to the recruitment challenges currently facing the military. However, it also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding gender ideology and its place within our armed forces, causing mixed reactions from the public.
As this issue continues to unfold, it’s crucial for everyone, regardless of their political beliefs, to stay informed and engage in respectful discourse to ensure the well-being and effectiveness of our military, as well as the equal treatment and representation of all individuals who wish to serve our nation.