If you are at all familiar with today's headlines in Washington, I'm sure you have heard of President Trump's most recent proposal. On July 26th he posted a tweet on the social media platform Twitter stating that he was taking an initiative to ban transgender males and females from the military.
With pride month only one month prior, this tweet has caused mass controversy. Many people from the transgender community feel personally victimized, and some even feel as though their rights have been revoked. Though there has never been an issue quite like this, our country has recently increased in numbers of members of the trans community. President Trump has reasons behind this decision and he believes that it would be of best interest to follow through with it.
Is this an issue? With an estimated 6,300 transgender troops serving right now, this decision could potentially be a serious problem. Previous president Barack Obama and his administration made all branches of the military open to accepting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender troops.
Many of those already serving are concerned for their future and careers in the military recently. Many lawmakers spoke against Trump's proposed ban complaining both about what the president said and also about the fact that he tried to do so in only 140 characters on a social media platform rather than through a credible conference, or news source.
So…What is his reasoning?...Trump believes that the continuation of acceptance of transgender troops would become increasingly difficult from a medical stand point. Members of the transgender community must undergo serious changes, and surgery is only one.
The issues rise when a trans soldier is unable to get his/her HRT (hormone replacement therapy) while overseas. Conditions overseas are almost never ideal. In some cases showers are a luxury, so seeing as though their medication is necessary to continue their transformation process, these resources cannot always be readily available.
HRT is not the only medication that is not readily available at all times. Deployed troops cannot always depend upon a steady supply stream. In extreme cases of war these luxuries are extremely limited. Every single day people young and old get rejected from the military for medical issues requiring medications. T
he United Stated is less likely to accept if you have extenuating medical circumstances. Especially if you are required to take medications for them. Along with the cost of the medication, you must also consider the price of the transportation to get it there. That could be by boat, plane, helicopter, etc. All of these machines require operators as well as fuel.
Though Trump seems to be making a point, what will happen to the estimated 6,300 active duty transgender soldiers? Does this contradict what progress former President Barack Obama made with the LGBTQ+ community? As the president, Donald Trump's mission should be to do what is best for our country. Though many people think they can, you cannot denounce Trump as your president. As a citizen of the United States of America, we the people have voted Donald J. Trump in the vast majority.
So, with that being said…Will this pass congress? Do you support this initiative?
