The repeal of don't ask, don't tell didn't change things for transgender people in the military. What it has done, though, I think, is it has taught our military leaders that they don't need to be afraid of these issues. Allyson Robinson More Quotes by Allyson Robinson More Quotes From Allyson Robinson We have strong statistical evidence that shows that transgender people are twice as likely as their fellow citizens to join the military, to have served in the military. Allyson Robinson strong military people Today, the gay and lesbian people are accepted. Their families are welcome in the units where they serve. This is not so for transgender people in any way. But, nevertheless, it could be. Allyson Robinson gay today people The implementation of don't ask, don't tell's repeal has gone very, very well. Allyson Robinson wells asks gone If we know one thing from the transgender people who are currently serving - I'm in contact with one group that counts almost 200 people in uniform today who identify as transgender - it is a process that they have - that many of them have begun, that many of them would very much like to complete, if they could do so without putting their years at risk. Allyson Robinson risk people years In some states, a very small number of states, it is illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of their gender identity, transgender identification. In the vast majority, it is perfectly legal. Allyson Robinson small-numbers majority identity The U.S. military is so far behind the rest of our society. Allyson Robinson our-society behinds military Transgender people have served, are serving, and will continue to serve. Allyson Robinson transgender serving people The Eighth Amendment to the Constitution protects citizens against cruel and unusual punishment. And there is a growing body of legal precedent that shows that transgender people who are incarcerated should be provided with these medically necessary procedures. In cases where they're not, it is considered a violation of those rights. Allyson Robinson punishment rights people I'm just one example of thousands of transgender veterans and people who are actively serving today. Allyson Robinson example today people Our allies, Great Britain, Australia, Israel, some of the strongest militaries in the world, allow transgender people to serve openly and have experienced no ill effects from that. Allyson Robinson australia israel people
