Mark Takano: “Americans understand that trans people do exist and that transgender servicemembers have served our country with…”

“Americans understand that trans people do exist and that transgender servicemembers have served our country with distinction and honor for almost a decade. They were able to do this openly. Yet, this amendment seeks to erase the existence of transgender people, whether they are servicemembers or DOD employees, by prohibiting the Secretary of Defense from collecting information about gender identity on any form or survey. Let me be clear: Trans people do exist, and their experiences matter. Nondiscrimination and inclusion are core American values. This amendment is about exclusion and erasure. Collecting data on the experiences of transgender people at the Department of Defense is critical to addressing the challenges the community faces. Every person who steps up to serve our Nation in uniform, including trans people, should be treated with the utmost respect. These servicemembers have continuously shown that they are fit, qualified, and willing to serve. This amendment would create real obstacles for transgender people by requiring DOD systems to list the wrong gender for transgender people. Discrepancies between these systems and trans people's legal documents will cause a host of issues, including complicating background checks. This administration is already forcing transgender servicemembers out of the military just because of who they are. The Americans I know honor everyone who has the courage to serve.”