In April 2019, Donald J. Trump barred transpeople from serving in the United States military forces, reversing President Barack H. Obama’s policy implemented three years earlier. On January 25, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., inaugurated on January 20, signed a welcome executive order repealing the Trump ban.
Leading LGBTQ servicemember and veteran organizations Service Members, Partners, Allies for Respect and Tolerance for all (SPART&A) and the Modern Military Association of America (MMAA) issued the following statements:
SPART*A President and Marine Corps Captain Emma Shinn declared, “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. 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.”
MMAA Executive Director and Air Force veteran Jennifer Dane said, “President Biden’s action to reverse the ban is a tremendous victory for inclusion in the government’s most diverse organization. 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.”