San Francisco, CA — Today, President Biden issued an executive order to end the ban on transgender people serving in the military. The former Federal Administration issued orders that barred transgender people from serving openly in military service; this was one of many attacks launched on transgender and gender nonconforming communities during the last four years to roll back equality and erase transgender Americans.
“It was unpatriotic that dedicated service members have been threatened to be discharged simply for who they are, and that qualified Americans were banned from serving our country,” said Mayor London Breed. “We applaud President Biden’s swift action to rescind these shameful bans. We are pleased that we can now partner with a Federal Administration to ensure the safety and wellness on all of our communities.”
President Biden’s executive order comes less than a week after the President also issued an executive order to prevent and combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity on his first day in office.
“President Biden’s executive orders affirm the value and contribution of transgender, gender nonconforming, and LGBQ Americans who have served or want to serve our country. Today’s announcement gives us hope for the opportunities ahead to make our country safer and more just for all,” said Clair Farley, Senior Advisor to Mayor London Breed and Director of the San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives. “Today is the result of regular people putting their livelihoods on the line to speak up for fairness and equality. We applaud your bravery along with President Biden’s actions today.”
Last week the Biden/Harris Administration also made history in announcing the nomination of Dr. Rachel Levine as pick for the assistant health secretary at HHS. If confirmed, she would make history as the first out transgender federal official to be confirmed by the United States Senate.
“As a transgender Veteran, it is heartening to know that we will no longer face discrimination when we choose to serve our country through military service,” said a former transgender service member. “I hope that the new Administration will not stop here, that they will take steps to address the needs of all veterans while assuring access to medical necessary healthcare for trans veterans and service members.”