Trumps proposed transgender military ban is the accumulation of a lack a data, a lack of representation, and a lack of communication with the persons it inherently affects… trans men and women serving in the US armed forces.
Last week Donald Trump tweeted:
After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow……
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2017
….Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military. Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming…..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2017
….victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail. Thank you
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2017
Since Trumps blinded-sided tweet aired last week, their has been overwhelming response from the military officers opposing his proposed initiative and attempting to set the record straight on what it means to serve as a transgender officer. Some of our favorite quotes are below:
1). Lieutenant Commander Brynn Tannehll, U.S. Navy: “The idea that it’s too expensive to retain transgender service members is laughable to me. It costs more to replace two highly trained transgender service members than to provide health care for every last one of them.”
2). Senior Chief Kristin Beck, US Navy SEAL: “The idea that this is a new issue. “Transgender people have been serving since the Revolutionary war, and most of us don’t cost a thing.”
3). Active Duty Navy Lieutenant Commander Black Dremann: “The biggest misconception is that we are obsessed with transitioning and cannot function or do our jobs. Many transgender service members are at the top of their game and they only get better when they are allowed to transition.”
4). Colonel Sheri Swokowski, U.S. Army. Retired December 4, 2004, after 35 years of service: “Some people, particularly the older generation, believe trans individuals are mentally ill. Being transgender is a medical condition, no different than someone suffering from diabetes or heart disease. All medical conditions are deserving of treatment.”
5). Active Duty Army Soldier, Intelligence Officer Jennifer Peace: “I think what it all comes down to is this stereotype people have of who trans people are. Once you work with someone and know someone personally, it breaks those stereotypes down.”
To read more about the brave service men and women above, and to get a first hand account of their stories check out this Vanity Fair article.
