WASHINGTON, D.C. — Silver State Equality released the following statement from State Director André C. Wade in response to President Trump issuing an executive order directing the Department of Defense—chiefly, newly-sworn in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—to create new policy regarding transgender servicemembers:
“Donald Trump’s continued efforts to stop transgender people from openly serving in the armed forces are discriminatory and compromise the safety of all Americans. In a disturbing replay of his first term, Trump has signed an executive order concerning transgender people serving in the armed forces. Although this action does not immediately ban transgender servicemembers, it does direct the Pentagon to determine a policy within 30 days and states that the current Defense Department’s policy for troop readiness is ‘inconsistent with the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals with gender dysphoria,’ language that could open the door to an outright ban or force transgender servicemembers back into the closet. Barring qualified and loyal Americans from serving reduces military readiness and only creates division, not cohesion. Make no mistake—this decision puts us all at greater risk. And with the recent confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, our national security is in a more precarious position than ever. We are also greatly disturbed by the sheer amount of animus present in the executive order—President Trump seems to relish belittling and harassing members of the transgender community. With this order, Trump is attacking Americans who have risen above many obstacles and have demonstrated tenacity, strength, and courage. Every servicemember understands that when you put on the uniform, differences fade, and the focus is solely on completing the shared mission. We strongly encourage President Trump, Secretary Hegseth, and the Department of Defense to continue allowing transgender people who meet the same qualifications as their non-transgender peers to continue serving. Here in Nevada, we and our fellow Nevadans are proud that our state is home to two Air Force bases and a Naval Air Station, and we honor everyone who has chosen to wear the uniform. It is unclear if this order will contain exceptions for those transgender servicemembers already in uniform who had joined the military under previous policies. Silver State Equality will continue to consult with our legal and national partners regarding these details.”
“Donald Trump’s continued efforts to stop transgender people from openly serving in the armed forces are discriminatory and compromise the safety of all Americans.
In a disturbing replay of his first term, Trump has signed an executive order concerning transgender people serving in the armed forces. Although this action does not immediately ban transgender servicemembers, it does direct the Pentagon to determine a policy within 30 days and states that the current Defense Department’s policy for troop readiness is ‘inconsistent with the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals with gender dysphoria,’ language that could open the door to an outright ban or force transgender servicemembers back into the closet.
Barring qualified and loyal Americans from serving reduces military readiness and only creates division, not cohesion. Make no mistake—this decision puts us all at greater risk. And with the recent confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, our national security is in a more precarious position than ever. We are also greatly disturbed by the sheer amount of animus present in the executive order—President Trump seems to relish belittling and harassing members of the transgender community.
With this order, Trump is attacking Americans who have risen above many obstacles and have demonstrated tenacity, strength, and courage. Every servicemember understands that when you put on the uniform, differences fade, and the focus is solely on completing the shared mission. We strongly encourage President Trump, Secretary Hegseth, and the Department of Defense to continue allowing transgender people who meet the same qualifications as their non-transgender peers to continue serving.
Here in Nevada, we and our fellow Nevadans are proud that our state is home to two Air Force bases and a Naval Air Station, and we honor everyone who has chosen to wear the uniform.
It is unclear if this order will contain exceptions for those transgender servicemembers already in uniform who had joined the military under previous policies. Silver State Equality will continue to consult with our legal and national partners regarding these details.”
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As Nevada’s statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, Silver State Equality brings the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in Nevada and throughout the U.S. Silver State Equality strives to create a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. Silver State Equality is a Nevada-based program affiliated with and supported by Equality California and Equality California Institute, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. More information at SilverStateEquality.org.
