Rally to support Trans military members, July 30

A rally is scheduled for Sunday in downtown Pensacola to show support for transgender Americans who have served in the military service.

The “We Support Trans Troops and Veterans Rally” is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, July 30, at the MLK Plaza in downtown Pensacola. The rally is sponsored by Gay Grassroots of Northwest Florida and TransReality.

The rally comes after President Donald Trump announced plans this week to ban transgender Americans from military service.

“Trans people are as capable, talented and patriotic as anybody else. With the obstacles many of them have overcome, they are probably more qualified for the demands of military life than some of the rest of us,” said Gay Grassroots President Louis Cooper. “Keeping trans Americans out of the military is as much a disservice to our country as it is to them.”

Speakers at the rally are scheduled to include a transgender active duty service member and a Vietnam veteran who is trans. Cooper will also speak at the rally as will TransReality President Regina Ray.

Gay Grassroots of Northwest Florida provides programming and education for and about the LGBT community, including the annual PensacolaPRIDE celebration. TransReality focuses on providing material support for trans people in need. Both groups are 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations.