Protect LGBTQ+ Military Youth
Learn how to effectively advocate for LGBTQ+ military rights with our Advocacy Guide! Get scripts, advice, and insights on key issues like the FY25 NDAA, trans service bans, and access to healthcare. [Download the guide here] and make your voice heard!
The FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is attacking transgender and nonbinary military youth.
The rider removing medically-necessary healthcare was added in bad faith at the last minute; lawmakers had already negotiated a clean bill that would not have targeted military families with transgender dependents. However, the rider was unilaterally added as the deadline to pass the NDAA looms, essentially negating months of discussions. Lawmakers filed the bill on Saturday, 12/7:
“Medical interventions for the treatment of gender dysphoria that could result in sterilization may not be provided to a child under the age of 18.’’ (SEC 708)
Contact Your Lawmaker Right Now
1. Contact your Representative in the House. They will likely vote on Tuesday. Find them here: https://bit.ly/mmhouserep
2. Contact your Senators. They will be the final vote if this passes the House, and could vote as soon as this week. Find them here: https://bit.ly/mmsenaterep
Military families can contact members of Congress in states where your vote AND where you are stationed. Congress likely to vote on Tuesday 12/10.
Email Template
Dear [Representative or Senator Name],
As your [constituent/a military member who lives in your district], I am outraged that Congressional leaders are trying to cut medically-necessary healthcare for service members’ families. The NDAA was filed with a provision that will strip healthcare from trans youth of service members. I urge you to oppose this discriminatory and hurtful provision.
Instead of focusing on the needs of the American people and our national security, lawmakers are hijacking a defense bill to play politics with the healthcare of dependents of service members. This is a cruel and harmful attack on military families.
This is a slap in the face to service members and their families, who sacrifice every day for our country. We ask our service members to defend our country, and in return, we must defend their rights and access to medical care. Passage of this bill could even force servicemembers to choose between staying in the military and providing healthcare for their families, this at a time when the U.S. military continues to fall short of its recruitment targets.
Politicians have no place inserting themselves into decisions that should be between families and their doctors. As a [military service member / family member], I ask that you 1) remove the provision and 2) vote NO if it’s included.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Phone Script
My name is [your name] and I am a constituent who [is stationed in/lives in your district] and my zip code is [your zip code].
I am outraged that Congressional leaders are trying to cut medically-necessary healthcare for service members’ families. The NDAA was filed with a provision that will strip healthcare from trans dependents of service members. I urge you to oppose this discriminatory and hurtful provision.
Politicians have no place inserting themselves into decisions that should be between families and their doctors. This bill is a direct attack on the trans youth of our military service members.
As a [military service member / family member], I ask that you 1) remove the provision and 2) vote NO if it’s included. You can reach me at [your phone number]. Thanks for your time.
What’s Next
– (Anticipated 12/9): Current bill must pass the House Rules Committee. What we hope for is that this committee could block this bill from going to a vote.
– (Anticipated Tuesday, 12/10): If it moves forward, the House will vote on the current version of the NDAA (including the gender-affirming care healthcare ban for minors).
– If the bill passes the House, it will move to the Senate.
– The NDAA must be passed by December 20.
– If passed, the NDAA will become law. DOD will then need to issue new policy guidance before changes to healthcare plans are implemented.
Share Your Story
Are you a military family with a transgender or nonbinary dependent who relies on gender-affirming care? Whether your dependent is under 18 or is now an adult, we want to hear your story.
We will share these stories anonymously (unless given your permission otherwise) with Congress and urge them to oppose the provision.
Share your story at: https://bit.ly/milprideshare
Available Resources
Military families with LGBTQ+ kids: we are here for you! Check out the MilPride section of our website, modernmilitary.org where you can join our online community on Facebook and register for PFLAG Connects: Military Community.
