Today, Service Members, Partners, Allies for Respect and Tolerance for all (SPART*A) and the Modern Military Association of America (MMAA), the nation’s leading LGBTQ servicemember and veteran organizations affirm their strong support for President Biden’s executive order to end the transgender military ban.

“President Biden’s restoration of open service recognizes transgender service members as an integral part of our military and closes a dark chapter of history,” said Emma Shinn, President of SPART*A and a Captain in the Marine Corps. “I am elated that the approximately 15,000 transgender service members proudly serving across the globe can rest easier knowing that their service to our nation is seen, valued and that they can continue to serve as their authentic selves.”

“President Biden’s action to reverse the ban is a tremendous victory for inclusion in the government’s most diverse organization,” said Jennifer Dane, MMAA Executive Director and Air Force veteran. “The move enhances national security by allowing otherwise qualified Americans to serve their country and for transgender people already serving to reach their full potential.”

The missions of both organizations are centered around the premise that military service should be determined by an individual’s capabilities and qualifications to serve, not one’s gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other discriminatory factor. As such, SPART*A and MMAA agree with the former Surgeon Generals of the Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard who recently made clear that the transgender military ban has harmed military readiness by, “compromising recruitment, reputation, retention, unit cohesion, morale, medical care, and good order and discipline.”

Once the policy directed by this executive order is implemented, transgender recruits will be allowed to join the military. In anticipation of this repeal, SPART*A has hosted a group of over 300 individuals that have been preparing to join at the earliest opportunity.

“Reversing this ban is a victory for all Americans. President Biden has given the gift of opportunity to thousands of individuals who will use it to serve the country they love,” said Bree Fram, Vice President of SPART*A and a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. “A military without the talents of transgender service members should be just as unconscionable as a military without African Americans, women, or lesbians, gays, and bisexuals.”

“While we celebrate this momentous victory for a second time, our biggest hope is that this reversal becomes codified into law like the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, to ensure this never happens again,” said Dane. “Any individual qualified and capable of joining the military should have the right to serve, period.”

 

The Modern Military Association of America (MMAA) is the nation’s largest non-profit organization for LGBTQ service members, military spouses, veterans and allies. Formed through the merger of the American Military Partner Association and OutServe-SLDN, MMAA is a united voice for the LGBTQ military and veteran community. Find out more at www.ModernMilitary.org.

SPART*A is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization not affiliated with the Department of Defense. Membership is open to transgender individuals currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. Find out more at https://spartapride.org/.

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