GovCIO Systems Architect Speaks at Air Force 2024 LGBTQ+ Pride Symposium

U.S. Air Force Photo by Andy Morataya

June 21, 2024  

Fairfax, Virginia. – Chelsea Bumgarner, Air Force Veteran and GovCIO Systems Architect, spoke at the U.S. Air Force’s LGBTQ+ Initiative Team (LIT) Symposium on June 7 at the Pentagon in honor of Pride Month. Airmen and Guardians united at the Symposium to promote inclusivity within the Air Force, leveraging shared experiences to enhance mutual understanding and respect. 

The theme of the Symposium was “Building Inclusion Through Experience” and included attendees from the Pentagon and panelists from the Modern Military Association of America (MMAA), Service Members, Partners, Allies for Respect and Tolerance for All (SPARTA), Washington D.C. Mayor’s Office, and airmen from across the nation.  

Bumgarner spoke on the LGBTQ+ Civilian & Service Experience and Transgender Service panels at the event. 

“It was an honor to serve as a panelist at the 2024 LIT Symposium and share my personal journey on my transgender experience within the DoD workplace,” said Bumgarner. “It was a remarkable opportunity to educate and foster dialogue, contributing to greater awareness and understanding.” 

The LIT Symposium was established in 2021 to address and resolve challenges affecting the inclusion of LGBTQ+ Airmen and Guardians in the Air Force. Since its inception, the team has played a vital role in raising awareness, shaping medical policies, and advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ military members and civilian employees. 

“The vision of the [LIT Symposium] is to achieve true inclusivity through shared experiences that shape our thoughts for one another as individuals,” said Master of Ceremonies and Master Sgt. Eric Dryer. “We strive to create an environment where individuals, regardless of their background, are valued, respected and welcomed.”  

Visit  Life at GovCIO  to learn more about what makes GovCIO an inclusive place to work and to join our team.