There cannot be true democracy unless women’s voices are heard. There cannot be true democracy unless women are given the opportunity to take responsibility for their own lives.

Like all great love stories, they never end.

Silencing women silences justice.

Today, we celebrate our gay pride.

Feminism is not a stick with which to beat other women with.

I didn’t want this job. I didn’t seek this job. My wife told me I’m supposed to do this.

You could be a gangster with a dress, you could be a gangster with baggy pants. I feel like there’s no such thing as gender.

This is the right thing to do for our people and for the force. We’re talking about talented Americans who are serving with distinction or who want the opportunity to serve. We can’t allow barriers unrelated to a person’s qualifications prevent us from recruiting and retaining those who can best accomplish the mission.

We live off this image as an open and tolerant place. Homophobic violence has hit crisis levels, and it’s getting worse.