The Department of Defense (DoD) inadvertently conflated Pride Month and PTSD Awareness Month in a social media mix-up on Saturday. A now-deleted tweet from the Pentagon included the exhortation “Celebrate Pride Month” next to an image of the Progress Pride Flag. However, the accompanying text emphasized the importance of PTSD Awareness Month and the resources available for individuals struggling with the condition.
Social media users were quick to notice the error, prompting the DoD to delete the tweet and post a corrected graphic. Despite reaching only a fraction of the department’s millions of followers, the incident drew criticism from some users who perceived it as a misplaced focus.
This social media gaffe highlights the potential for confusion when multiple observances occur during the same month. It also underscores the importance of organizations adhering to established protocols and reviewing content thoroughly before posting on social media platforms.