Point of Pride Condemns Executive Order Targeting Transgender Military Service Members

January 28, 2025

Point of Pride unequivocally condemns the executive order signed on January 27, 2025, which effectively bans transgender Americans from serving in the United States military. This policy not only jeopardizes the lives and livelihoods of the 15,000+ trans service members currently serving, but also perpetuates harmful and baseless rhetoric against the trans community.

Most egregiously, the order frames a trans identity as inherently at odds with the military’s core values, stating that trans people cannot live up to “a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in one’s personal life.”

“This rhetoric is both offensive and demonstrably false,” said Jeff Main, Executive Director of Point of Pride. “Being trans is not a conflict with truth—it is an expression of authenticity and courage of the highest order. Trans service members have proven time and again their ability to serve honorably, often surpassing the expectations of their peers. To frame their identities as incompatible with military values is not only a disservice to them, but a disservice to the values of integrity and respect that the military claims to uphold.”

The order further justifies the ban by falsely claiming that gender-affirming healthcare is incompatible with military readiness, despite evidence showing minimal costs and no significant impact on operational readiness or recovery time.

“Let’s be clear: the medical needs of transgender service members do not hinder military readiness,” added Aydian Dowling, Chief Advancement Officer of Point of Pride. “What does harm readiness is removing highly skilled, dedicated individuals from their positions. The loss of these experienced personnel—many of whom hold critical leadership roles—will create gaps in expertise that will be far more damaging than any fabricated concern about medical costs or recovery times.”

“Serving authentically and openly empowers transgender service members to bring their full potential to the mission,” said Laila Ireland, retired Army Veteran, trans military advocate, and former Point of Pride board member. “Make no mistake, anyone who meets the necessary standards should have the opportunity to serve, and thousands of transgender service members have already proven their dedication, skill, and strength. Even after transition, they remain as capable, effective, and lethal as any qualified service member. Their representation matters—because when every warrior can serve as their true authentic self, the entire force is made stronger. It is not identity that makes a warrior, but competence, character, and commitment—qualities that transgender service members have demonstrated daily and will continue to uphold.”