Two prominent figures in the transgender community have taken to social media to speak out against No. 45’s recent Twitter declaration to ban “transgender individuals [from serving] in any capacity in the U.S. Military.”
Caitlyn Jenner, who supported and voted for Trump, joined Laverne Cox, an advocate for transgender rights, in questioning Trump’s promise to fight for people in the LGBTQ community, and reminded them that their lives and safety matter too.
Jenner told CNN, “I don’t support him in everything that he does…but we needed to shake the system up.” Now she might be having second thoughts as her recent tweet reads, “There are 15,000 patriotic transgender Americans in the U.S. military fighting for all of us,” Jenner tweeted. “What happened to your promise to fight for them?”
There are 15,000 patriotic transgender Americans in the US military fighting for all of us. What happened to your promise to fight for them? https://t.co/WzjypVC8Sr
Cox, who’s a transgender actress and currently stars on Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black, added to Jenner’s sentiments by tweeting, “My fellow trans Americans despite what some may say your existence is valuable. Your lives, safety, & service matter. #TransIsBeautiful”
My fellow trans Americans despite what some may say your existence is valuable. Your lives, safety, & service matter. #TransIsBeautiful
Her initial tweet was followed by two more, which thanked all trans people serving in the military and encouraged people to “love each other and fight more.”
To all the trans folks currently serving in the military thank you for your service. I am sorry your “commander in chief” doesn’t value it.
After speaking with several trans service members, Cox spoke with CNN directly, reiterating her stance on Trump’s announcement.
“I have heard from them humiliating stories of being misgendered and experiencing various kinds of mistreatment when they are willing to put their lives on the line in ways many of us would never do, including our current president,” said Cox.
“This latest reversal of another Obama administration policy continues to send the message to trans Americans that our lives, our safety and service are less valuable and unwanted in this country, the country I love and hold so dear.” She continued, “Let’s all come together and send the message to trans Americans that despite what this president and administration proclaims that trans lives, safety and service are valuable, that they matter.”
Trump’s announcement calling for the ban of transgender people in the military is the latest of many stunts pulled to reverse all structures put in place by former President Obama.
