Trans US Navy commander Emily Schilling says it’s her “duty” to stand up for trans people in US military

Trans US Navy commander Emily Schilling has said it’s her “duty” to stand up for trans people in the US military at an event to raise funds for the LGBT Community Centre, which took place in New York and also featured honourees and guests, including pop star Kesha.

“I swore an oath to support and defend the constitution,” Schilling, the highest-ranking ‘out’ trans officer who is currently leading a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s trans military ban, said. “That oath requires obedience to lawful orders. But when an order undermines the very principles I swore to uphold, I have the responsibility to challenge it.

“That’s not rebellion,” Schilling added. “That’s duty.”

“Tonight isn’t just a celebration,” Allyn Shaw, the centre’s board president, said during his opening remarks. “It’s a recommitment to build a world where LGBTQ+ people are not only surviving, but thriving. We’re safe, we’re seen, we’re celebrated, and of course always free.”

With the event in full swing, actor Christopher Hanke held a live pledge drive for the centre, which raised more than $640,000 (£485,000) in a matter of minutes as donations were projected on huge screens on either side of the ballroom.

Others in attendance included writer Harper Steele – who starred in trans documentary Will & Harper – and elected officials, decorated athletes, artists and performers.

Just before dessert, Bob the Drag Queen stepped onstage to present Kesha with the Visionary Award.

Taking to the stage, pop star Kesha said: “Thank you for being my home. I don’t know where I would be without this community – I don’t fit in anywhere else.”

“I will fight for each and every one of you and your rights the same way that you fought for me and stood up for my rights when I needed it,” she added. “And I will be doing that for the rest of my f—ing life.”