We applaud President Biden’s decision to reverse the previous administration’s ban on allowing transgender troops to serve in the U.S. Military. No one should be prevented from pursuing their goals or career opportunities because of one’s identity.
For the thousands of patriotic transgender Americans who have been denied their dreams of protecting and serving their country, this decision is so much more than a simple policy change. It is also important for our national defense, as more than 50 retired U.S. generals agreed in a joint statement criticizing the ban in 2017, citing that it would “degrade military readiness.”
Allowing transgender members of the military to serve openly demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring equity and inclusion in government institutions. And as the home state to a significant U.S. Army and Air Force service member population, we embrace these institutions' inclusion of all Coloradans.