As our nation marked Memorial Day this week and mourned the loss of all those who have given their lives for our country, we also reflect on the challenges and discrimination that many of our current service members face.  

Just as women and Black, Indigenous and other people of color have faced discrimination, violence, and disrespect within the military in past years and veterans have faced inhumane discrimination stateside, we are now seeing that happen to another minority group who has faithfully served our country. Just days after inauguration, an Executive Order was signed that targeted trans members of the military. Now, while lawsuits are still in process, military service members who identify as trans have been told they have just months to voluntarily leave the service.  

Not only is this disrespectful and contemptuous of those who have faithfully and willingly served our country, many through the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell years, but this decision by the Administration also negates their earned benefits. By voluntarily leaving the service, trans military members no longer have access to Veteran Affairs services, nor do their beneficiaries. Due to the nature of military life, military service members often act as the sole earner of their household. In addition, military families rely on the free and low-cost military health care system that is provided to service members. It is unacceptable to arbitrarily strip any service member of their earned benefits simply because their gender does not match the one assigned to them at birth.  

As Christians called to seek a just world for all, we see and condemn the injustices levied against trans service members and call on the Administration to reverse course. 

Tell Congress that this is unacceptable. Urge Congress to protect our trans service members and investigate the Administration’s flagrant targeting of this community within the military.