Statement on President Trump’s Transgender Military Ban

Alex Lark
Alex Lark
Jul 27, 2017 · 2 min read

It is beyond disappointing to see President Trump putting up barriers for those who seek to serve our country.

I have served with people who were previously banned from service because of the same “concerns” about unit cohesion/readiness and it just doesn’t ring true.

The soldiers I know care about one thing: serving their country. In the field, there are only a few things that matter to soldiers: doing your job, don’t make it about yourself, carry your own weight, and have your buddy’s back.

If you meet the standards for the armed forces and the MOS you were trained for, there should be no question about your ability to serve. That’s why army standards exist. They are the first meritocracy; they are impartial and equal. The army standards don’t care what race you are, who you love, or where you are from. They only ask that you meet them.

You can count on me to do my part in supporting the trans community by promoting inclusive policies, listening, and respectfully using Personal Gender Pronouns (PGPs). It is important to remember that not having to worry/think about PGPs is a form of privilege and to ignore PGPs is a form of oppressive behavior that does not belong in our community.

If you know/see any unacceptable behaviors toward any person based on their gender identity, please report it to the proper authorities. Hate has no place in our community.

Alex Lark
Candidate for Everett City Council Pos. 2
AlexLark.org
Facebook.com/ElectAlexLark

***Please note this is the opinion of Alex Lark. He does not speak for the Department of Defense or the U.S. Army Reserves.

Alex Lark
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