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Celebrities react after President Trump announces ban against transgender troops

Published: July 27 2017 - 11:41AM

 President Trump's announcement on Twitter yesterday that the US government will no longer allow transgender individuals to serve in the country's military "in any capacity" has been met with a barrage of criticism and condemnation on social media from celebrities, politicians and past members of the military.

The ban comes just over one year after the Pentagon lifted the ban, with Trump stating that his decision was made "after consultations with Generals and military experts."

"Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail," Trump tweeted out. His decision came without a detailed plan on how the White House will implement the reinstated policy.

Former vice president, Joe Biden was among the politicians to call out Trump's change, saying that everyone should be able to serve.

Correct. https://t.co/GApzH7flhY

Among the celebrities joining forces against the decision, was singer St. Vincent who called him an "Odious Ogre", while Star Trek actor George Takei called him the "most incompetent President ever," warning Trump would "live to regret" the decision.

Trump is banning all transgenders from the military. To those who believed Trump would be a friend to LGBTs, time to admit you were conned.

Ellen De Generes said that the government's decision was "baseless". Influential actor and transgender activist Laverne Cox also spoke out on Twitter, "My fellow trans Americans despite what some may say your existence is valuable. Your lives, safety, & service matter," before issuing a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

"I have met many transgender Americans over the years who have served or are currently serving our country in the military. I have heard from them humiliating stories of being misgendered and experiencing various kinds of mistreatment when they are willing to put their lives on the line in ways many of us would never do including our current President," she told The Hollywood Reporter.

"This latest reversal of another Obama administration policy continues to send the message to trans Americans that our lives, our safety and service are less valuable and unwanted in this country."

My fellow trans Americans despite what some may say your existence is valuable. Your lives, safety, & service matter. #TransIsBeautiful

We should be grateful to the people who wish to serve, not turn our backs on them. Banning transgender people is hurtful, baseless and wrong

Actor Mia Farrow, who labelled the decision "despicable," took to Twitter to draw attention to the various speeches and Tweets that Trump sent out during the presidential campaign, claiming he would show greater support to the LGBT community than Hillary Clinton. "This must be challenged", she said.

There are 15,000 patriotic transgender Americans in the US military fighting for all of us. What happened to your promise to fight for them? https://t.co/WzjypVC8Sr

Locally, Cate McGregor, who served as the most senior transgender person in the Australian military, argued that all people who are willing and able to serve should be given equal opportunities, but was unsurprised by the President's comments.

"Like many others I served effectively before and after transition. In a free society, any suitably qualified citizen who is willing and able should be allowed to serve in the military," she said on Twitter.

"Not surprising from a man who never served, but sneered at John McCain's heroism and disparaged a Gold Star family."

Many celebrities including Girls' star Lena Dunham and singer Demi Lovato also stressed that many people around the world were available as support networks, and to fight for the rights of the LGBTQ communities at all times.

Hey trans teens: this man does not represent the overwhelming love, support and pride waiting for you when you step out into the world.

I just want to tell the transgender community that I love you and you ARE supported no matter what. #ProtectTransTroops

United States LGBTQ organisation GLAAD has labelled the announcement by Trump's administration a "full scale attack" on the community.

"Since President Trump's inauguration, the administration has stopped at nothing to erase LGBTQ acceptance from the federal government. This includes appointing the most anti-LGBTQ administration in recent memory, deleting any mention of "LGBTQ" from government websites, and guidance that protects transgender students at their schools," they wrote in a statement issued on their wesbite.

A 2016 Rand Corp. study commissioned by the Defense Department put the number of transgender people in the military between 1,320 and 6,630.

The message you have just sent has endangered the lives of people all over the United States and overseas bravely serving our nation @POTUS

Hey Ivanka, James here. Hope all is good, quick question, can you... Erm... Call your dad and have a talk. X https://t.co/yiiL89J3Ap

ALL those who defend our right to live freely should be able to serve freely! There are THOUSANDS currently serving! #ProtectTransTroops

I grew up in a military w/ LGBT people serving in the shadows. We can't let DT turn back the clock on our brave, trans soldiers. #RISEUP

Oh, just a reminder that this--NONE OF THIS IS NORMAL.

so, biggest baddest most military on earth cries about a few trans people but funds the F-35? sounds like cowardice #WeGotThis

This story was found at: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity/celebrities-react-after-president-trump-announces-ban-against-transgender-troops-20170727-gxjntk.html