LGBTQ Celebrities Speak Out Against Trump's Transgender Military Ban
"Orange Is The New Black" star Laverne Cox spoke out Wednesday in opposition of Donald Trump's newly announced ban on transgender Americans serving in all facets of the United States military, claiming it's just another reversal of an Obama Administration policy. Trump shared the news in a series of Tweets, claiming that "our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the...disruption that transgenders in the military would entail."
Cox, who portrays a transgender prisoner on "OITNB," is also a real-life member of the transgender community and vocal advocate of the movement.
Read: Chelsea Manning Reacts To Trump's Transgender Ban: How Many Serve In US Military?
Cox released a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, illustrating the "message" this policy change sends to transgender individuals in America.
"I have met many transgender Americans over the years who have served or are currently serving our country in the military," Cox began. "I have heard from them humiliating stories of being misgendered and experiencing various kinds of mistreatment when they are willing to put their lives on the line in ways many of us would never do including our current President."
Cox urged Americans to join forces to remind transgender Americans that they are "valuable" members of society both within the military and beyond.
"This latest reversal of another Obama administration policy continues to send the message to trans Americans that our lives, our safety and service are less valuable and unwanted in this country, the country I love and hold so dear," Cox added. "Let's all come together and send the message to trans Americans that despite what this president and administration proclaims that trans lives, safety and service are valuable, that they matter."
Read: Caitlyn Jenner’s Ex Candis Cayne Reacts To Trump’s Transgender Military Ban
Cox isn't the only famous LGBTQ member to have spoken out against Trump's new policy. Here is a list of 7 other notable LGBTQ figures who have shared their thoughts:
Ellen DeGeneres
The television personality who famously revealed in 1997 that she identified as a lesbian on her show "Ellen," wrote about Trump's decision on Twitter. She tweeted, "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."
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
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) July 26, 2017
Caitlyn Jenner
Jenner has received backlash from the trans community and LGBTQ supporters for her conflicting political views, primarily for identifying as a supporter of Trump — a man who seemingly lacks an interest in supporting the transgender movement that affects her. She spoke out against Trump on Twitter, saying, "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?"
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
Mary Lambert
Lambert, who famously sang on Macklemore's song "Same Love" about identifying as gay in 2013, wrote about the "hurtful" way Trump described transgender people in his tweets. She tweeted, saying, "There isn't a more harmful, knife-like word than "burden" to describe LGBTQI people. Cant stop crying. What a horrible thing."
There isn't a more harmful, knife-like word than "burden" to describe LGBTQI people. Cant stop crying. What a horrible thing.
— Mary Lambert (@marylambertsing) July 26, 2017
Candis Cayne
Cayne is a transgender woman who was known for dressing in drag in the 1990s. She tweeted about Trump's new policy, saying, "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!"
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
Andy Cohen
The "What Happens Live With Andy Cohen" host simply tweeted his dissatisfaction with Trump's latest policy, saying, "Are you TRYING to be an a—hole?"
Are you TRYING to be an asshole? https://t.co/QW9axAScmO
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) July 26, 2017
Billy Eichner
While other famous LGBTQ members have attacked Trump personally for his policy change, Eichner turned his frustration on Trump voters. He tweeted, saying, "I hope deep down Trump voters realize the increasing amount of psychological & perhaps even physical damage they've done to fellow Americans."
I hope deep down Trump voters realize the increasing amount of psychological & perhaps even physical damage they've done to fellow Americans
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) July 26, 2017
Laverne Cox, pictured February 23, 2017 at Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards in Beverly Hills, the actress gave a statement about Donald Trump's ban on transgenders in the military. Photo: Getty Images
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