Former Senator Chuck Hagel has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Secretary of Defense, but what's the LGBT community's take on his appointment following his previous anti-gay comments? (He's since apologized for the statements and has committed to supporting LGBT servicemembers.)

Find out after the jump.

As we reported last week, outgoing Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta has officially announced the extension of a handful of benefits to loving same-sex military couples. 

Despite a shaky start in the nomination process, President Obama's Secretary of Defense nominee Chuck Hagel is no longer ambiguous in regard to his position on the post-DADT era and the fight for equal benefits for LGBT military families. 

Former Senator Chuck Hagel apologized today for remarks that he made in 1998, in which he stated that an openly gay man nominated for a diplomatic post should not represent the United States.

Hagel's remarks are under a bit of a microscope right now because he's a candidate for Secretary of Defense. Some are questioning his ability and willingness to oversee an LGBT inclusive military. 

More after the jump.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta has joined President Obama and Sec. of State Hillary Clinton to celebrate Pride Month with a video message to the LGBT Community. Video and transcript follow.