In a memo released late this evening, the Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness’ released “Additional Guidance on Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness,” a deeply discriminatory and regressive policy that betrays the promise made to those who serve our country.
This policy directly targets and marginalizes transgender service members and those who hope to join the military, effectively barring them from serving their country. The assertion that gender dysphoria is incompatible with military service is both medically unsound and a blatant disregard for the proven capabilities and dedication of transgender individuals who have served and continue to serve with distinction. It sends a damaging message to the world about the values of the United States.
At Modern Military, we understand the deep fears and concerns this new policy is generating within the community. Members of our staff, board, volunteers, and coalition partners are personally affected. To ensure we provide you with up-to-date information, we are working closely with legal experts to analyze the policy’s details and potential impacts. We will continue to share updates as we receive further clarity.
This is not the first time we have faced adversity. We endured the Lavender Scare, the struggle for civil rights in the 1960s, the AIDS crisis, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and the previous trans ban. We are resilient and we will stand alongside you in this fight. We will not back down.
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