TODAY, June 30, the Pentagon lifted its ban on openly transgender individuals serving in the military. Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer released the following statement:
“I applaud today’s historic decision to allow openly transgender individuals to serve in our nation’s armed forces. Our march towards full LGBT equality is long and difficult, but today, we have taken a giant step forward. Our transgender brothers and sisters have been serving their country for years, but they will now be able to do so while living openly as the people they were meant to be.
This issue is deeply personal to me. My husband, Dan Hendrick, was among the thousands of Americans removed from military service for being gay under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Before the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Dan and far too many LGBT service members were subject to witch hunts and expulsions. Now, we move forward yet again. Anyone who is brave enough to risk their life in defense of our nation will now be free to do so regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
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