Trevor Project Responds to Trump Tweet Banning Transgender Servicemembers: Wrong and Unpatriotic

The Trevor Project, the nation's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth, responds to President Trump's ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. The following statement is from Trevor Project CEO and Executive Director Amit Paley.

"President Trump's actions to ban transgender people from serving in the military is wrong and unpatriotic. Transgender people, including many trans youth, are already heroically serving their country in our military with bravery and distinction. Policies that deny individuals basic equality, dignity, and the right to earn a living in their chosen career have no place in this country. This action harms the mental health of an entire community that is already disproportionately a target of discrimination and hate and at elevated risk of suicidal ideation. The Trevor Project stands proudly with our heroic transgender service members and urges the Trump Administration to ensure that all Americans-regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation-can serve their country openly and free of discrimination."

The Trevor Project is here 24/7/365 for transgender service members, and anyone else in the community who needs someone to talk to. Call our 24/7 lifeline at 1-866-488-7386. Text and chat counseling is available from 3-10pm EST every day at http://www.thetrevorproject.org/help

The Trevor Project is the leading and only accredited national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under the age of 25. The Trevor Project offers a suite of crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as a peer-to-peer social network support for LGBTQ young people under the age of 25, TrevorSpace. Trevor also offers an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, a legislative advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and conducts research to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, our Trevor Lifeline crisis counselors are available 24/7/365 at 866.488.7386. http://www.TheTrevorProject.org