Success: U.S. Must Accept Transgender Military Recruits

Target: Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, U.S. District Judge

Goal: Express thanks for overturning President Trump’s attempts to ban transgender military recruits.

Transgender rights were upheld in a U.S. District Court after judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ruled that the United States military must begin accepting transgender recruits. Following public outcry against President Trump’s proposed ban on such troops, including petitions like this one on ForceChange, potential recruits will no longer be sidelined simply because they identify as a different gender than the one assigned to them at birth.

President Trump had previously attempted to ban transgender recruits from joining the military and had demanded that the military stop using funds to assist with gender transition-related surgery. In response, organizations like the GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights challenged his proposal, saying that it violated the constitutional and equal rights guaranteed to potential transgender individuals attempting to enlist. This judge’s ruling affirms this position, and will make it far more difficult for Trump or his administration to prevent transgender individuals from serving.

While the battle for transgender equality is far from over, this ruling is a strong step in the right direction for transmen, transwomen and others who wish to serve in the military. Please sign the petition to express your thanks and gratitude for this successful challenge to Trump’s regressive ban.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Honorable Kollar-Kotelly,

Thank you for standing up for equal rights with your ruling that allows transgender recruits to enlist in the military. President Trump’s blatant attack on transmen and transwomen was a violation of these potential recruits’ civil rights and their right to due process. We are grateful that this ban has been overturned at long last, and that transgender recruits will have the opportunity once more to enlist and serve.

Trump’s proposed ban would have denied our country of many able-bodied, courageous individuals who wanted to serve in our armed forces. To prevent these people from doing so simply because of their gender identification is unfair and makes no sense. Thank you for granting these members of the transgender community their constitutionally-sanctioned right to serve.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Ted Eytan