Standing Proud: Workshop supports trans veterans facing discharge under US military ban
– 2 min read
On Monday (18 August), a coalition of LGBTQ+ and veteran advocates came together in San Diego to support trans service members who are being forced out of the military under policies introduced by the Trump administration. The event, held at the San Diego LGBT Community Centre in partnership with the California Department of Veterans Affairs, offered vital resources and solidarity to those affected.
The workshop was open to all veterans and featured legal guidance, housing support, and panel discussions, with a particular focus on the needs of trans individuals navigating forced separation from service. It comes in response to the Department of Defence’s enforcement of a ban on transgender personnel, which includes orders for troops to self-identify or have their medical records scrutinised - an alarming rollback of rights previously secured.
Veronica Zerrer, a trans veteran and Co-Chair of the LGBT Veterans Wall of Honour, spoke powerfully at the event, saying, “People will be learning to survive, first and foremost.” Her words reflect the harsh reality many trans veterans now face: being stripped of their careers, benefits, and dignity simply for living authentically.
Recent developments have intensified the crisis. A memo from the US Air Force revealed that military separation boards are no longer permitted to independently assess cases involving transgender personnel. Instead, they must recommend discharge, regardless of merit or service record. According to the Associated Press, over 1,000 trans service members were removed from their posts in May alone.
“This is a transition assistance project for transgender service members who are being kicked out of the military,” Zerrer explained. “It’s about resisting the hatred coming from the current administration towards transgender people in uniform.”
The event featured speakers including Undersecretary Keith Boylan of the California Department of Veterans Affairs, Pamuela Halliwell, Director of Behavioural Health Services at the San Diego LGBT Community Centre, and San Diego Mayor, Todd Gloria.
Mayor Gloria reaffirmed the city’s commitment to trans veterans, stating: “San Diego and California stand with our trans service members and veterans. You served our nation with honour. We will honour you with dignity, support, and respect - no matter what.”
Zerrer also reminded attendees of the broader significance of the Constitution, saying it is “not meant to protect the majority so much as it is the minority,” and that “LGBTQ+ people exist - we exist.”
