PHOENIX — Phoenix Pride issued the following statement today in response to President Joe Biden’s executive order reversing the previous administration’s ban on transgender Americans serving in the U.S. Armed Forces:
“Today marks a critical return to decency, respect and honor in America, as President Biden lifts the previous administration’s ban on service in the U.S. Armed Forces by brave transgender Americans who step forward and volunteer to undertake the bold and dangerous missions that define the American military.
“In his inauguration address last week, President Biden reasserted his commitment that America ‘will lead not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.’ The executive order he issued today, allowing transgender men and women to once again openly don the uniforms of our armed services, is in itself a powerful example of the values of inclusion and commitment to those who serve, that have now returned to American leadership.
“Since the 45th President first floated the idea of denying the right to serve to transgender Americans, Phoenix Pride has stood in solid opposition to that toxic, unwarranted and spiteful policy. Today, we join our trans family and friends, neighbors and co-workers in celebrating this national return to decency and renewal of our nation’s commitment to honor, respect and care for all who choose to undertake the ultimate show of commitment to defending our nation and the ideals for which it stands.
“Since mere hours after his inauguration, President Biden began to make good on his commitment to restore the rights and freedoms that are the blessings of all Americans, including those in our LGBTQ community. This president’s first day reversal of his predecessor’s policies to discriminate against LGBTQ, and particularly transgender, individuals in federal employment and elsewhere set a hopeful tone for policies to come, and today’s executive order further bolsters that hope.
“Phoenix Pride will continue to support policies that promote inclusion and equity for all Americans. We welcome today’s announcement by the White House and applaud President Biden for this meaningful, and critical, action.”
ABOUT PHOENIX PRIDE
Phoenix Pride is the producer of the two largest annual public LGBTQ community events in Arizona: the Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade held each spring in April, and the Rainbows Festival, held every fall in October. Founded in 1981, the organization engages year-round in its mission to unite, educate and engage people to support and empower the LGBTQ community and its allies. Additional information regarding Phoenix Pride is available online at the agency’s website, http://www.PhoenixPride.org.
