Human Rights Campaign Foundation & Lambda Legal File Lawsuit to Block Trump Administration’s Transgender Military Service Ban

WASHINGTON— The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) and Lambda Legal today filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Trump administration’s ban on military service by transgender individuals. The lawsuit, brought in response to the administration’s executive order, was filed on behalf of seven actively serving transgender service members, a transgender person seeking to enlist in the military, and Gender Justice League, a civil and human rights organization headquartered in Seattle.

“This discriminatory ban is a threat to our national security, wastes years of training and financial investments, and is unconstitutional,” said Sarah Warbelow, Vice President of Legal, Human Rights Campaign Foundation. “Thousands of transgender servicemembers have already met the military’s rigorous standards and more than proven themselves. Our military must be able to recruit the best candidates, retain the highly-trained servicemembers, and every qualified patriot should be able to serve free of discrimination. Thank you to the courageous plaintiffs who have already sacrificed so much for this country, and now are fighting to continue their service in the face of a cruel and dangerous ban.”

“This ban not only wrongfully prevents patriotic, talented Americans from serving, it also compromises the safety and security of our country,” said Sasha Buchert, Counsel and Nonbinary and Transgender Rights Project Director, Lambda Legal. “Thousands of current service members are transgender, and many have been serving courageously and successfully in the U.S. military. Once again attacking a vulnerable population based on bias, political opportunism and demonstrably untrue ‘alternative facts,’ President Trump is seeking to deny courageous transgender people the opportunity to serve our country. He’s got to get through us first.”

Lambda Legal and HRCF filed the lawsuit today in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. The plaintiffs include:

  1. Commander Emily “Hawking” Shilling, United States Navy, with 19 years of service.
  2. Commander Blake Dremann, United States Navy, with 19 years of service.
  3. Lieutenant Commander Geirid Morgan, United States Navy, with 14 years of service.
  4. Sergeant First Class Cathrine “Katie” Schmid, United States Army, with 20 years of service.
  5. Sergeant First Class Jane Doe, United States Army, with 17 years of service.
  6. Staff Sergeant Videl Leins, United States Air Force, with 16 years of service.
  7. Mr. Matthew Medina, a transgender person seeking to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.
  8. Gender Justice League, a civil and human rights organization.

“The assertion that transgender service members like myself are inherently untrustworthy or lack honor is an insult to all who have dedicated their lives to defending this country,” said Commander Emily Shilling, speaking in her personal capacity and whose views and opinions are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Navy or Department of Defense. “My nearly two decades of service as a naval aviator and test pilot, routinely selected for the most challenging leadership roles, with 60 combat missions and over 1,700 flight hours in high-performance jets, speaks for itself. I have been selected for promotion and ranked number one in my community for merit. Not because of my identity, our boards are deliberately blind to such things, but because my performance and leadership set me apart. What greater proof of merit is required? This ban is not about readiness or cohesion, and it is certainly not about merit. It is about exclusion and betrayal, purposely targeting those of us who volunteered to serve, simply for having the courage and integrity to live our truth.”

“I am one of thousands of transgender service members currently serving honorably on active duty in the US military,” said Geirid Morgan, speaking in her personal capacity and whose views and opinions are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Navy or Department of Defense. “Transgender Americans who volunteer to serve in the Armed Forces meet the same standards and requirements to serve as any other warfighter and we have earned our place in the military. Our Nation has invested billions of dollars into our military training and experience, and we have invested years of our lives and countless hours of hard work in service to this Nation. I am truly hopeful that our case filing will ensure that those investments don’t go to waste. Our dedication and our sacrifice, as well as that of our families, is not worth any less to the military or the American people.”

“This Executive Order is nothing more than just a discriminatory attack against transgender individuals like myself and many others to paint us as the problem in today’s world and keep everyone else distracted from the actual problems at hand like mental health, veteran benefits and many more,” said Matthew Medina, speaking in his personal capacity and whose views and opinions are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Navy or Department of Defense. “I cannot stand for this blatant exploitation of human rights to go on any further and I will not be shamed for my identity. I am human first like everyone else and should only be seen for my humanity.”

“I’ve served my country for 20 years. I’ve deployed across half the world, led Soldiers in all kinds of weather and fought in every domain,” said Cathrine Schmid, speaking in her personal capacity and whose views and opinions are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Navy or Department of Defense. “The Army invested in my skills, awarded my performance, and entrusted me to uphold the values of our noble profession. I ask nothing more than to continue that mission. Let the DoD prove its dedication to merit and performance over arbitrary measures like the fact that I’m trans and let me serve.”

“Gender Justice League is honored to stand with the thousands of brave trans service members in fighting for a US Military that bases employment on merit, qualifications, and that does not discriminate simply on the basis of who people are,” said Danni Askini, Executive Director, Gender Justice League. “For the last 10 years, tens of thousands of transgender people have served our country honorably in all branches in nearly all fields. This executive order harms our military’s retention, recruitment, and deprives us of highly trained service members when we need them most.”

In 2017, then President Trump announced via tweet his intention to ban transgender Americans from serving openly in the U.S. Armed Services. The Human Rights Campaign, represented by Lambda Legal and the Modern Military Association of America sued to block this policy, one of several such lawsuits filed by sister organizations across the country. Courts unanimously blocked the policy before the Supreme Court allowed it to take effect during the pendency of the cases. The Biden administration later rescinded the policy upon taking office in 2021.

Read about the first lawsuit, Karnoski v. Trump,here.

The government-commissioned RAND study released in May 2016 determined that the cost of providing transition-related care is exceedingly small relative to U.S. Armed Forces overall health care expenditures, that there are no readiness implications that prevent transgender members from serving openly, and that numerous foreign militaries have successfully permitted open service without a negative effect on effectiveness, readiness or unit cohesion.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation attorneys working on the case are: Sarah Warbelow, Cynthia Weaver, and Ami Patel. They are joined by co-counsel Sasha Buchert, Jenny Pizer, Camilla Taylor, Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, Kenneth Upton, and Kell Olson of Lambda Legal.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Human Rights Campaign Foundation & Lambda Legal File Lawsuit to Block Trump Administration’s Transgender Military Service Ban

Love, Pride & Updates: Your February Pride Guide Arizona E-News

UNLEASH YOUR TRUE COLORS With gorgeous weather as your backdrop, explore Tempe’s signature festivals, breathtaking hikes, eclectic dining and vibrant nightlife. From music to arts, here’s a glimpse of the excitement ahead..
 
Arizona • February 2025

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Love, Pride & Updates: Your February Pride Guide Arizona E-News

Sasha Velour – The Big Reveal Live Show February 5th

Sasha Velour The Big Reveal Live Show Wednesday, Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m. Experience her dazzling new theatrical spectacle featuring stunning lip-syncs, comedy, and emotional storytelling. Tickets at Scottsdale Performing Arts.org
 
Arizona • January 27, 2025
 
 
 

Sasha Velour – The Big Reveal Live Show
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Experience her dazzling new theatrical spectacle featuring stunning
lip-syncs, comedy, and emotional storytelling. Tickets here.

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Sasha Velour – The Big Reveal Live Show February 5th

Spend an Evening with Tituss Burgess

An Evening with Tituss Burgess Thursday, Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m. Gather around the piano with actor and singer Tituss Burgess for a night of unforgettable music and stories. Tickets at Scottsdale Performing Arts.org
 
Arizona • January 3, 2025
 
 
 

An Evening with Tituss Burgess
Thursday, Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Gather around the piano with actor and singer Tituss Burgess
for a night of unforgettable music and stories. Tickets here.

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Spend an Evening with Tituss Burgess

Happy New Year from the Pride Guide Arizona Family!

Pride Guide® is excited to celebrate our 20th year advocating for Arizona’s LGBTQ+ residents and visitors in 2025. We offer a spectrum of print & digital marketing options to fit most budgets. Contact us today to become a partner. Ensure our community knows you are a welcoming, inclusive and supportive business or organization.
 
Arizona • January 2025

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Happy New Year from the Pride Guide Arizona Family!

Give the Gift of Broadway & Theatre this Holiday Season!

 
Arizona • December 20, 2024
 

Give the gift of Broadway & Theatre
Tickets at ScottsalePerformingArts.org

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Give the Gift of Broadway & Theatre this Holiday Season!

Don’t Miss Out: Final Deadline for the 2025 Pride Guide is Dec. 17th!

 
Arizona • December 6, 2024
 

Final Deadline to reserve your ad space for the 2025 print edition of
Pride Guide Arizona is December 17th. Reserve your ad space today!

[Ad material is due no later than January 10th, 2025.]

Join us in fostering a world where everyone is equally embraced and respected.
Love is love, and by partnering with Pride Guide®, you can help make a
difference and create a more vibrant, diverse, and equitable society for all.

Pride Guide® has been a trusted resource for over 19 years and is proudly 100%
gay-owned and operated. Increase your visibility among the LGBTQ+ audience
and show your true commitment to promoting inclusivity and equality.

PRINT + DIGITAL + MOBILE APP
We offer marketing options to fit most budgets.

www.GayArizona.com / Arizona@ThePrideGuides.com / 602-466-2501

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Don’t Miss Out: Final Deadline for the 2025 Pride Guide is Dec. 17th!

Southwest Inspired Gifts at the Frank Lloyd Wright Store

SOUTHWEST INSPIRED GIFTS AT THE FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT STORE Unique gifts by Arizona artisans, exclusive to the Frank Lloyd Wright Store. Shop in-person or our online shop. 1938 BOTANICAL PANELS Panels are available in four sizes, in hanging and free-standing formats: $140 $450. TALIESIN WEST MOUNTAINSCAPES Available in two sizes: 8-inch for $130 and 12-inch for $182. HOUSE NUMBERS White with Black and Terra Cotta with Black house numbers and Whirling Arrow tiles are $20 each. Frames are available in four sizes for $54 $68. RAIN CHAINS Available in three color stories, Peacock (shown). Earthtones. and Fiesta. $295. FRANK LLOYD WIGH STORE VISIT SHOP.FRANKLLOYDWRIGHT.ORG 12621 N. FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BLVD. SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85259-2537
 
Arizona • December 2, 2024
 
 
 

Final Deadline to reserve your ad space for the 2025 print edition of Pride Guide Arizona is December 17th. Reserve your ad space today!

Join us in fostering a world where everyone is equally embraced and respected.
Love is love, and by partnering with Pride Guide®, you can help make a
difference and create a more vibrant, diverse, and equitable society for all.

Pride Guide® has been a trusted resource for over 19 years and is proudly 100%
gay-owned and operated. Increase your visibility among the LGBTQ+ audience
and show your true commitment to promoting inclusivity and equality.

PRINT + DIGITAL + MOBILE APP
We offer marketing options to fit most budgets.

www.GayArizona.com / Arizona@ThePrideGuides.com / 602-466-2501

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Southwest Inspired Gifts at the Frank Lloyd Wright Store

Holiday Happenings from the Pride Guide® Arizona Family!

FIND YOUR FLAIR Tempe’s best is just around the corner! Explore lively festivals, scenic trails, bold flavors, and an electric nightlife scene. From arts to live performances, catch a glimpse of what’s in store this season.
 
Arizona • December 2024
 
 
 

Celebrate Pride Book Your Tickets Discover New Spots Visit TempeTourism.com Visit TempeTourism.com

Final Deadline to reserve your ad space for the 2025 print edition of
Pride Guide Arizona is December 17th. Reserve your ad space today!

Join us in fostering a world where everyone is equally embraced and respected.
Love is love, and by partnering with Pride Guide®, you can help make a
difference and create a more vibrant, diverse, and equitable society for all.

Pride Guide® has been a trusted resource for over 19 years and is proudly 100%
gay-owned and operated. Increase your visibility among the LGBTQ+ audience
and show your true commitment to promoting inclusivity and equality.

PRINT + DIGITAL + MOBILE APP
We offer marketing options to fit most budgets.

www.GayArizona.com / Arizona@ThePrideGuides.com / 602-466-2501

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Holiday Happenings from the Pride Guide® Arizona Family!

Community Gathering for World AIDS Day

Strong visuals with appeal for print/television coverage.

Persons with HIV available for interviews before or after event

image004

Southern Arizonans will gather for a special World AIDS Day community event this Sunday, uniting to share experiences, remember loved ones lost, provide encouragement to people living with HIV, and stand together as a community.

On December 1, 2024, communities around the world will host events to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS as a global pandemic. Current estimates by UNAIDS say 39.9 million people are living with HIV, and 42.3 million people have died as a result of HIV/AIDS.  Here in the United States, an estimated 1.2 million people are now living with HIV. World AIDS Day is a day designated to remind us that HIV remains an issue that impacts community members here in Tucson and around the world.

The Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN), along with El Rio’s Special Immunology Associates, the Petersen HIV Clinics, and the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) are sponsoring this local commemoration of World AIDS Day. The event will be held in the Fellowship Hall on the southeast corner of the church campus of Catalina United Methodist Church (2700 E Speedway) on Sunday, December 1, gathering at 5:00pm, with the program taking place 5:30-6:30pm, followed by a reception and resource tables from 6:30-7:00pm.

This service will feature speakers living with HIV/AIDS, music and interpretive dance, a panel of medical providers sharing their thoughts, and a candle-lighting, bringing together the community in a time of hope and remembrance of all people infected and affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis in our world. Free and open to all.

Catalina’s Fellowship Hall is the site of TIHAN’s first gathering exactly 30 years ago—on December 1, 1994, their public debut which occurred on World AIDS Day.  “TIHAN got its start 30 years ago, on this same night in this same spot, as we began our service to the community helping support people with HIV,” commented Scott Blades, TIHAN’s Executive Director and founder.  “In the 1990’s we were helping support people dying from AIDS-related complications, but today, because of medical progress, we are able to support people in living with HIV disease.  Thinking back to our start on World AIDS Day 1994, we sure didn’t think we’d still be needed 30 years later.  But due to the need and the community support we’ve received, we’ve been able to continue serving the community as the disease has changed and the needs have modified.”

“This year’s World AIDS Day event is an opportunity for people to come together as a community to reflect and remind ourselves of our own responsibility in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” Blades said.  “This year’s theme is ‘In Our Hands’ because we know there is much that each of us can do to be part of the solution. We can educate, we can offer prevention tools, we can support people who have HIV, we can volunteer or donate to the cause.  Despite what some people think, there’s still much to be done, and for World AIDS Day, we need to stand in solidarity.”

For further information about the local event or about World AIDS Day or TIHAN’s 30th anniversary, contact Scott Blades, Executive Director, at 520-299-6647 (office) or 520-603-7601 (cell).

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Community Gathering for World AIDS Day