Lt. Nic Talbott and Maj. Erica Vandal, two of the transgender service members suing to block a ban, talk about why they should be allowed to serve in the military, and why the military benefits from their service.

Washington

Lt. Nic Talbott and Maj. Erica Vandal are two transgender service members involved in a legal battle challenging the Trump administration's ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. The case, known as Talbot versus Trump, seeks to prevent the implementation of the ban. Talbott, who transitioned from female to male as a teenager, experienced an interruption in his pursuit of a military career due to the initial 2017 ban by the Trump administration. However, he later enlisted following the reversal of the ban during the Biden administration. He currently serves as a lieutenant in the Army Reserve, facing uncertainty regarding his future service due to the ongoing legal developments.

Maj. Erica Vandal, who began her transition from male to female in 2021, continues her duties and prepares for deployment. Despite experiencing physical changes due to hormonal treatments, Vandal maintains her readiness and commitment to her military responsibilities. She and Talbott argue that their service contributes positively to military readiness, countering claims in the Trump administration's executive order that suggests transgender individuals conflict with the military's standards and commitment.

The Trump administration's stance is supported by a Pentagon memo that asserts recognition of only two sexes and considers a gender identity inconsistent with one's sex incompatible with military values. The Department of Justice supports the ban by suggesting it aligns with military readiness and the nation's interests. Conversely, Talbott and Vandal argue that removing transgender service members disregards their proven skills and contributions to military effectiveness.



Soldiers suing Trump admin over transgender military ban

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Moscow

Ukraine Invasion

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As Suwayda

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Atlanta

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New Delhi

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Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

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New Jersey

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Doha

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New York

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Global Tariffs

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Beijing

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Lexington

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Ahmedabad

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Tehran

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Council of the City of Sydney

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