Since the election of 2016, the rights of LGBTQIA+ people have been under attack. Transgender people have been barred from military service under the false pretense that they are unfit to serve. Existing transgender and non-binary members of the military are terrified of being found out. For some, it would destroy years of service to our country along with their livelihood.
This discrimination is not just an attack on individual rights; it undermines the core values of honor and integrity that our armed forces uphold. We must fight against these unjust policies and work towards full inclusion and acceptance for all service members, regardless of their gender identity.
Beyond the military, LGBTQIA+ individuals continue to face discrimination in housing, employment, and healthcare. It’s time to implement comprehensive protections that ensure equality for everyone, regardless of who they love or how they identify. We must promote education and awareness to combat stigma and misinformation that fuels hate.
Together, we can create a society where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. Let’s advocate for policies that affirm the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals and dismantle the barriers that stand in their way. The fight for equality is far from over, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that everyone can live authentically without fear of persecution. The time for action is now.