Marzullo: Trump’s Ban on Transgender Service Members is a Travesty that Damages Military Cohesion

Letter to the editor submitted by Greenwich Selectman Drew Marzullo, August 25, 2017

To the Editor:

As President Trump continues his campaign to divide and destabilize our great nation, he has chosen the military as his next target.

Friday’s ban on transgender service members makes our country less safe, our armed forces less diverse, and our LGBT community more isolated.

In choosing to marginalize these dedicated service members, Trump has once again proven that in his administration, hatred and divisiveness are not only tolerated but encouraged. On the heels of his disgusting response to Charlottesville, the transgender ban serves only to appeal to a right-wing base that shuns anyone who is different.

Transgender service members want nothing more than to serve their country without fanfare or special treatment. The fact that dedicated Americans are being denied the opportunity to continue their brave work is a travesty that damages military cohesion.

President Trump, before you decide who can and cannot serve in uniform, you might want to try it yourself.