TTPC

Today, communities all across this nation will honor those who have served their country.  Among those who have worn this nation’s military uniforms in the past, or are serving today, are many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.  These service members face the prospect of immediate discharge from every branch of the military if they come out of the closet.  In addition, many can be denied some of the basic benefits they earned during their service, including health care.

On this Veterans’ Day, we hope all will remember both our Veterans’ and active Service members who volunteer on behalf of their country, and ask Congress to end all discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people in both the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Department of Defense.

Currently, there is only one bill in Congress that addresses discrimination in the military, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1283).  This bill will repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, which bans people who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual, from serving in the military, but it will not lift the ban against transgender people.  The Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition asks you to please call or email your Congressional Representative and urge that person to push to add “gender identity or expression” to H.R.1283, so that transgender people who wish to serve their nation can continue to do so.