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U.S. Vets Shout in the Face of Oppression

On April 12th, 2019, the Department of Defense began to implement Directive-Type Memorandum 19-004, an action that will prohibit openly transgender people from serving in the United States military. This bill began circulation on April 23rd of 2018, and is now being put into practice by our Armed Services. In response to this, a number of groups including Minority Veterans of America, Gender Justice League, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) rallied together at Westlake Park on the following Saturday. The event was planned by the Minority Veterans of America, and supported by a bevy of organizations listed below this.

At eleven AM, a concentrated group of civil rights activists gathered in solidarity to hear folks speak on Mem. 19-004. This group made a point to be seen and heard, whether transgender veterans themselves, or concerned accomplices standing side by side in the face of this injustice. Lindsay Church- President, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-Founder of Minority Veterans of America- organized this event with a team of dedicated staff and volunteers.

This event is sure to not be the last of its kind. The Mem. 19-004 was implemented on April 12, and subject to renewal in March of 2020. The possibility of an appeal in this time is not out of the question, but unlikely without continued activism from concerned groups and individuals. Below are links to different organizations that support this event, and have volunteer opportunities for folks looking to contribute their time, money, or skill set.

Minority Veterans of America

Seattle LGBTQ Commission

Outserve – SLDN

U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle

Gender Justice League

Seattle Women’s Commission

Ingersoll Gender Center

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