March 3, 2025
The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) stands
firmly in support of all those who have answered the call to serve our country,
including our transgender service members and veterans. The recent
discriminatory Executive Order and policy guidance released from the
Department of Defense to ban transgender military personnel from serving in
the military takes aim at transgender troops in a personal way, dehumanizing
them and falsely denying their honor, integrity, and sacrifice.
The military’s strength has always come from the dedication and diversity of
those who serve. Maryland’s DVMF opposes any policy banning or
discriminating against our transgender service members and veterans who
serve our country with distinction and honor. This policy undermines the
military’s role as an inclusive institution, one that reflects the diversity of our
nation’s population.
We know our country is strongest when we recruit and retain the most
capable and talented warfighters, regardless of race, gender, gender identity,
or sexual orientation. Any policy that weakens this recruitment pool only
makes us less safe.
From my own personal experience, I understand the pain one goes through
from being removed from an institution that you have given your life to
protect. Under the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy banning openly gay, bisexual,
and lesbian people from serving in the US Armed Forces, I was discharged. I
was forced to leave behind the career I had built, not because of my ability or
dedication, but because of who I am. Many others, including transgender
service members, faced the same injustice under "Don't ask, don't tell." Now,
history is repeating itself, and transgender troops and their families are once
again facing the pain, uncertainty, and betrayal of being told their service is
unworthy and their sacrifice is unwelcome.
Maryland stands firmly in support of our veterans and service members.
Through programs and resources, DVMF ensures equality and opportunity for
all. We stand by our veterans, upholding the values of fairness, respect, and
inclusivity for all those who serve.
The DVMF’s resources and benefits page for LGBTQIA+ Veterans has
numerous programs and resources available for impacted service members
and veterans. Visit veterans.maryland.gov/lgbtqia-veterans-page. For crisis
support, please call the US Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans CrisisLine, by dialing 988, press #1.
###
Media Contact:
Tiffany Young
Director of Communications
[email protected]
667.270.1645 (m)