The Republican president's announcement, made through a series of Twitter posts, upended years of efforts to eliminate barriers to military service on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Just last year, the Pentagon ended a prohibition keeping transgender people from serving openly.
Trump says transgender people barred from US military
Ironically, President Trump had tweeted he would 'fight' for the LGBT community during his election campaign.
Thank you to the LGBT community! I will fight for you while Hillary brings in more people that will threaten your freedoms and beliefs.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 14, 2016
The president's action was condemned by rights groups, Hollywood stars, tech CEOs and lawmakers.
The Canadian military also tweeted in support and welcomed recruits from all gender identities. The tweet included a photo of military band members marching in a parade with rainbow flags fluttering from their instruments.
Two transgender Pakistanis tortured to death in Saudi Arabia
We welcome Cdns of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Join us! #DiversityIsOurStrength #ForcesJobs https://t.co/572KahN2Zh pic.twitter.com/9In7HR4Utj
— Canadian Armed Forces (@CanadianForces) July 26, 2017
Hollywood also called for allowing transgenders to serve:
There are 15,000 patriotic transgender Americans in the US military fighting for all of us. What happened to your promise to fight for them? https://t.co/WzjypVC8Sr
— Caitlyn Jenner (@Caitlyn_Jenner) July 26, 2017
Trump is banning all transgenders from the military. To those who believed Trump would be a friend to LGBTs, time to admit you were conned.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 26, 2017
We should be grateful to the people who wish to serve, not turn our backs on them. Banning transgender people is hurtful, baseless and wrong
— The Ellen Show (@EllenDeGeneres) July 26, 2017
I'm starting to think they don't know what these letters actually stand for. https://t.co/ieznVV5Gio
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) July 26, 2017
As trans women and men We have never asked for anything other than to live our life as our authentic self this hate has to stop!
— Candis Cayne 🦋 (@candiscayne) July 26, 2017
Transgender community: you are supported, loved and valued by so many. I PROUDLY stand with you !
— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) July 26, 2017
Tech CEOs used the hashtag #LetThemServe
I am grateful to the transgender members of the military for their service. # LetThemServe.
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) July 26, 2017
We are indebted to all who serve. Discrimination against anyone holds everyone back. #LetThemServe
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) July 26, 2017
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