The Department of Defense recently announced that it would begin the process of removing the ban on transgender individuals from the military, and transgender veterans shared their enthusiasm.
While the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ended the ban on gay and lesbian individuals from joining the military and revealing their sexual orientation in 2011, transgendered individuals still were barred from serving the country,
according to Opus News.
Here five quotes from military members and veterans when the decision was made:
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1. “Obviously this isn't finished, but Secretary Carter's clear statement of intent means that transgender service members should and will be treated with the same dignity as other service members.”
– Allyson Robinson, policy director for Servicemembers, Partners, and Allies for Respect and Tolerance for All, The Associated Press
2. “We have a shot at this right now to get this right. This thing cannot affect operational readiness, we can’t have huge hiccups.”
– Transgender Navy SEAL veteran Kristin Beck, Washington Times, warning that the integration cannot affect military results
3. “I want to set an example of what a transgender person can be like — a good Marine.”
– Transgender active-duty Marine Evander Deocariza, Los Angeles Times, on what the decision to remove the ban means for him
4. “I never thought I'd see the day when the secretary of defense would make sure that other transgender people aren't denied the right to serve, like I was.”
– Transgender former Navy member
Katerina du Lac, Los Angeles Times, on her reaction to the decision having been discharged for announcing she was transgender
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5. “I'm pumped up. At the same time I know this is a small step forward and there's so much more to do.”
– Transgender Sgt. Shane Ortega, ABC News, on what the decision means for the future
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