While you watch, remember: According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, at least 60% of Americans support transgender troops and oppose the #TransMilitaryBan. Beyond being unjust, this ban is wildly unpopular.http://news.trust.org/item/20190227094945-2cksg/ …
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The American people are on our side. So are military officers, some 40 of whom signed a letter expressing 'grave concern' about the
#TransMilitaryBan, in addition to statements already made by fmr. Gen. McChrystal & fmr. Navy Secretary Ray Mabushttps://thehill.com/policy/defense/431629-retired-officers-express-grave-concern-with-trumps-defense-of-transgender …Show this thread -
One way you can show support: Today, change your profile photo to show your support for transgender troops:https://twibbon.com/Support/support-trans-troops …
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LIVE NOW: Watch five active-duty transgender service members testify before Congress for the first time since President Trump's reckless #TransMilitaryBan tweets.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc2vqR8P4SY …Show this thread -
Learn more about each of the courageous service members who are publicly sharing their stories today:https://medium.com/transequalitynow/this-is-the-quality-of-soldier-we-are-now-at-risk-of-losing-trans-troops-speak-to-congress-c8125aa4363f …
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As
@RepSpeier said in her opening statement, these members of our military are "exceptional—and exceptionally normal."Show this thread -
Pictured here are some NCTE staff who are lucky enough to attend today's hearing, along with today's witnesses and friends from
@HRC,@LambdaLegal, and@sparta_pride. For those of us stuck behind our keyboards, follow along for live coverage!pic.twitter.com/s1xU0d3S4Z
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First up: Navy Lieutenant Commander Blake Dremann, who also serves in his personal capacity as the President of
@sparta_pride.pic.twitter.com/rzonlzGTVn
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"It just so happens that some of the best and brightest happen to be transgender," he says.
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Next to give her opening statement is Army Captain Alivia Stehlik, who works as a physical therapist.pic.twitter.com/uRCqeJUPKX
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"Given that my profession now is one in which I physically touch every person with whom I interact I was concerned that transition would be a problem ... Has my transition made soldiers uncomfortable? Absolutely not."
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The next testimony is also from an Army captain, Jennifer Peace, executive officer of the Iranian Division. "If transgender people ... are told they are not good enough to serve the United States military, then now the entire United States sees trans people as somehow less."pic.twitter.com/R2N5KJgcW0
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Next up: Staff Sergeant Patricia King. "Troops want strong leaders. They don’t care if the leaders are transgender ... The questions that resound for them are: Can you do your job and accomplish your mission? Can you put rounds on target in the heat of battle?"pic.twitter.com/0WobPlk05o
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Marine Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Akira Wyatt is now sharing the chilling story of conducting a check-up on PFC Joseph Scott Pemberton, who had been charged with murdering Jennifer Laude, a transgender woman, in the Philippines.pic.twitter.com/IGWv4ncxiN
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"Ironically, after that encounter, I decided to transition regardless of the senseless violence that could be directed at me for who I am," she said.
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The final member of this panel is Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld, a veteran who served in combat with transgender service members and now works as a professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
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"There is simply no medical reason—including a diagnosis of gender dysphoria—to exclude transgender people from medical service."
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Now it's time for questions from the committee members.
@RepSpeier asks for some highlights from the panel members' careers. The common thread among each of these remarkable stories: being trans is one of the least notable things about these troops' service.Show this thread -
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@RepTrentKelly asked about the effect of transition-related health care on deployability. It's clear that it's no different from other kinds of medical care in terms of the effect it has on a service member's ability to be in the field.Show this thread -
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@RepLoriTrahan asked about the most difficult times the panel members had while serving and whether it had anything to do with being transgender.Show this thread -
Capt. Peace says that the two lowest points in her career were when there was no clear policy on open trans service, and when she woke up to the President's
#TransMilitaryBan tweets.Show this thread -
@RepGilCisneros, a Navy veteran who—like LCDR Dremann—served as a supply officer, asks about the positive effects transitioning had for the panel members.Show this thread -
Several of the service members shared that living authentically improved their confidence, leadership, and performance. Capt. Stehlik noted, however, that it remains to be seen whether her decision to serve openly will have a negative effect on her career.
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Upon request from
@RepSusanDavis, Dr. Ehrenfeld (who is also Chair-elect of the@AmerMedicalAssn) clarifies there is simply no valid medical reason to bar transgender people from the military.Show this thread -
This is fun: Rep.
@vgescobar just got interactive with the panel, asking them to raise their hands if they've been deployed overseas and if they believe the#TransMilitaryBan is discriminatory. The whole panel:




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In tears,
@RepDebHaaland, the child of a Marine and a Navy veteran, thanks the panel members for their service. "I accept you for who you are. If you tried to be someone you're not, you would not be as effective."Show this thread -
Affirming the panel members' statements,
@RepAnthonyBrown says of his time in the service, "All we cared about was whether you could do the job."Show this thread -
Time to wrap up the panel! Strong statement from
@RepSpeier: "You have shown extraordinary courage. I hope this House of Representatives shows the same kind of courage to show that this bogus policy has no business in the policies of the military or the United States."Show this thread -
The committee is taking a short break now, and will reconvene to discuss the
#TransMilitaryBan with a panel of Pentagon officials.Show this thread -
Here we go. Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness falsely states that the
#TransMilitaryBan "ends the practice of giving special accommodations" to trans service members.Show this thread - 10 more replies
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