LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – On Monday, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders focused on the military including an order titled “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness.” The order directs the Pentagon to determine a policy for transgender troops within the month, in the meantime reinstating a ban he first ordered in 2017, a ban on transgender military members.
It’s an executive order, not taken lightly as many LGBTQ+ members along with their supporters outraged over President Trump’s recent move to ban transgender people from serving in the US armed forces. In addition, the President also getting rid of the military’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Chris Davin with the Henderson Equality Center, a resource facility for the Queer community told 8 News Now that the move impacts countless service members, like those stationed at Nellis Air Force Base and across Southern Nevada.
“These people are willing to defend and sacrifice their own life to protect our country,” Davin shared. “There are over 15,000 transgender folks who are now going to be out of our military. By reducing those members, we are weakening our military.”
Davin, also shared that when his team tried to reach out to their contacts at Nellis Air Force Base, their request was denied.
“Unfortunately, they are on a cease-and-desist order and not allowed to speak at this time,” Davin told 8 News Now.
Sabastian Alcal’a, who works locally for a suicide prevention organization for trans men said he has several friends who are directly impacted by the ban.
“I have many brothers, current and past who are in the military, and I know they are scared,” Alcal’a said. “I’m sure some of my brothers will re-enlist because they pass, and they can and they feel the duty to protect those who can’t, Trump’s not going to stop that.”
The executive order also states that identifying as a gender that is “inconsistent” with one’s biological sex “conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in one’s personal life.”
Trump had banned transgender Americans from serving in the military in 2017 during his first administration, but then-President Joe Biden issued an order in 2021 repealing the ban.
