Pelosi Statement on Transgender Equality in the Military

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the plan to establish a working group to allow open service by transgender individuals in the military:

"Every day, countless courageous service members are forced to live in the shadows and serve in silence due to the discriminatory ban on open service by transgender people in the Armed Forces. As the Department of Defense moves toward lifting this ban, America moves closer to fulfilling our fundamental ideals of ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' for all.

"Today, we reaffirm the core American principle that anyone who wishes to serve, secure, and defend this country must be judged by their abilities – not on their gender or gender identity. For transgender service members, veterans and their loved ones, this represents a monumental step toward honoring their sacrifice, courage and strength. From ensuring that service records are updated to reflect a service member's identity to ensuring that no one is forced to leave the service because of that identity.

"This month, sixty-seven years ago, segregation in the Armed Forces was outlawed. Since then, we have moved steadily toward ensuring every capable person willing to serve with honor and dignity should have the opportunity to do so. Years after the repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell', America continues to make landmark progress for all those wishing to serve our nation in uniform. This is a critical step in our continued march toward a more inclusive America."

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