Reject discriminatory transgender military ban; uphold equality

This decision to allow President Trump's discriminatory ban on transgender military service members to temporarily take effect is deeply disheartening and harmful. Denying brave Americans the ability to serve their country based solely on their gender identity is antithetical to the values of equality and justice that our nation stands for. Transgender troops have proven their courage, dedication, and commitment to protecting our freedoms. Excluding them from military service weakens our national security by depriving us of skilled and qualified personnel driven by a profound sense of patriotism. This ban perpetuates the stigmatization of the transgender community and emboldens prejudice. As a society, we must firmly reject discrimination in all its forms and uphold the rights of every citizen to live authentically without fear of persecution. I urge a swift reversal of this misguided policy and a reaffirmation of our military's commitment to inclusion and nondiscrimination.