Washington, D.C. — Pride Fund to End Gun Violence PAC – America’s only national LGBTQ political organization solely focused on gun violence prevention, joined by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund – today released the following joint statement in response to Donald Trump’s announcement on Wednesday morning, which bans transgender people from serving in the U.S. military:
“As an Iraq war veteran and member of the LGBTQ community who was personally impacted by ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ I am appalled at Donald Trump’s announcement this morning banning transgender people from serving in the military,” said Jason Lindsay, Executive Director of Pride Fund to End Gun Violence. “This is blatant discrimination, full-stop, and a colossal step backwards for our country.”
“Trump vowed to protect the LGBTQ community during his campaign, but his methodical dismantling of LGBTQ protections and rights shows his true intentions. This morning’s announcement is a direct attack on the transgender community. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the only way we can protect our community is to elect pro-equality Democrats at the state and federal levels—which is exactly what Pride Fund has done, and will continue to do,” said Lindsay.
“Donald Trump’s attack on trans military members and disproven claims about unit disruption is all about politics, not building an effective military force,” said Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, President & CEO of Victory Fund. “Trump surrounds himself with extremist political advisors who oppose LGBTQ people living openly and free, and the inevitable result is irrational policies that target the LGBTQ community. More than 15,000 trans military members are honorably serving our country in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the globe. To attack those risking their lives is beyond repugnant – and it is time leaders on both sides of the aisle speak forcefully against it.”
Pride Fund is working with Victory Fund to elect Democrat Danica Roem, who will be the first out transgender state legislator ever elected and seated if she wins in November. Danica is running in the 13th House District in the state of Virginia, against a Republican proud to call himself “Virginia’s Chief Homophobe.” We are proud to stand with Victory Fund to help Danica make history, and send a strong message to the White House that we won’t allow our leaders to discriminate against Americans, regardless of their race, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation.
About the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence
Pride Fund to End Gun Violence (Pride Fund) is a Political Action Committee (PAC) established after the Pulse nightclub massacre, organized for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect pro-LGBTQ candidates at the state and federal levels who support sensible gun reforms.
To learn more, visit www.pridefund.org . Like on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/pridefund and follow on Twitter: @Pride_Fund
About Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund
Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund works to change the face and voice of America’s politics and achieve equality for LGBT Americans by increasing the number of openly LGBT elected officials at all levels of government.
To learn more, visit victoryfund.org. Like on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/victoryfund and follow on Twitter: @VictoryFund
