We Are Not Dishonorable
On January 23, 2025, just three days into his return to office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender Americans from serving in the United States military. The order—titled “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness”—revived and expanded upon his earlier ban, this time with a darker clause: active-duty transgender service members could face dishonorable discharge simply for identifying as trans.
And on May 6, 2025, the United States Supreme Court allowed that order to take effect. The Court issued a stay of a lower court’s injunction, permitting the ban to proceed while legal challenges continue. You can view the stay here.
With the stroke of a pen and the silence of a majority, the highest court in the land sanctioned a policy that equates transgender identity with misconduct—an act punishable by the same terms reserved for desertion or insubordination. No trial. No context. Just discharge, and disgrace.
Let’s be clear: the transgender service members who now face this threat are among the finest our nation has to offer.
- Colonel Bree Fram, a high-ranking officer in the U.S. Space Force, continues to serve with distinction while advocating for inclusion and strength through diversity. [Wikipedia]
- Commander Emily Shilling, a decorated Navy pilot with 19 years of service, now leads the legal challenge against this order in Shilling v. Trump—risking everything not just for herself, but for every trans soldier who follows. [GLAAD]
- Edit… The Navy Seal I had listed turned their back on the community. Removed Name and informaiton
- Lieutenant Commander Blake Dremann, the first openly trans service member promoted post-transition, is a symbol of leadership earned through merit, not conformity. [Military Times]
- Staff Sergeant Patricia King, the first openly transgender infantry member in the U.S. Army, who deployed to war zones while living in quiet authenticity. [WNYC Studios]
- Colonel Sheri Swokowski, Major Jamie Lee Henry, Monica Helms, and so many others have served with honor, not only in uniform but in advocating for equality once they left active duty.
