Latest news with #Shilling
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Transgender Navy pilot, barred from service, reflects on 'patriotism' ahead of Trump's military parade
As the U.S. military prepares to celebrate the legacy of the Army with a massive parade in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, some transgender service members are grappling with an involuntary end to their careers after the Trump administration banned them from the military. "I'm heartbroken," said Cmdr. Emily Shilling, a decorated Navy pilot who is also the lead plaintiff in Shilling vs. Trump -- one of three federal lawsuits challenging the Trump administration's executive order barring transgender service members. Shilling, who is based in the D.C. area, is also the president of Sparta Pride -- an organization advocating for 2,400 transgender people in the military and those who hope to join. Reflecting on the upcoming parade commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Army's founding, Shilling, who has served since 2005, told ABC News that "military might does not equal patriotism." "The members who take an oath and dedicate their lives to service -- that's patriotism, whether or not we have tanks or rocket launchers, that has nothing to do with it," Shilling said. Trump's military parade: What to know about the Army anniversary event And according to Shilling, for active duty members of Sparta, who were faced with the "heartbreaking" decision to voluntarily separate from the military or get kicked out, abandoning their commitment to serving their country is what's "keeping them up at night." "When I sit in these town halls that we do with Sparta, people are really struggling with the idea of giving up or quitting, or, you know, not fulfilling their oath," she said. "And that's actually what's keeping these men, women and folks you know, up at night. They feel like they have a duty to keep serving and keep fighting." The Pentagon's new ban went into effect in early May shortly after the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could enforce the ban on transgender people in the military while legal challenges proceed in lower courts. After the Supreme Court ruling, the Pentagon issued a memo giving active duty service members until June 6 -- last Friday -- to self-identify and begin the voluntary separation process. Transgender service members in the reserve forces have until July 7 to voluntarily separate. Senate Democrats file bill to prevent ban on transgender military service The memo also stated that after June 6, military commanders will be told to identify people in their units who have a diagnosis or history of gender dysphoria or exhibit symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria. The move would initiate a referral to an annual health check-up that would begin what could be a lengthy process for each individual that could lead to their removal from the military. Shilling, who will be eligible for retirement at 20 years in September, told ABC News that faced with these options, she chose to self-identify and begin the process of voluntarily separating from the military, but noted that she made the decision "under duress." "I hit my retirement date in September. So if I didn't volunteer at that time, I could theoretically be kicked out between June and September and lose everything," she said. "So it was very much a decision made under duress. You know, I was coerced into it because we knew that the voluntary separation would give me an honorable discharge with some portion of my retirement, and I'd be able to keep all of my benefits." The Pentagon incentivized service members with gender dysphoria to voluntarily separate ahead of the June 6 deadline by offering benefit payment packages that would be more than double what would be received if they were to separate involuntarily. Those who voluntarily separated would not have to risk paying back the recruitment or retention bonuses they may have earned during their military service. Its policy came after the Trump administration announced a ban on transgender service members in a Jan. 27 executive order, where President Donald Trump directed the Defense Department to revise the policy allowing transgender troops to openly serve. "Expressing a false 'gender identity' divergent from an individual's sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service," the order said. The order further argued that receiving gender-affirming medical care is one of the conditions that is physically and mentally "incompatible with active duty." Transgender service members say they face 'heartbreaking' decision amid Trump ban: Leave military or get kicked out Defense officials estimate that as of last December, about 4,240 current active-duty, National Guard and Reserve service members had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria. There are more than 2.1 million military service members serving on active-duty, National Guard and the Reserves. Advocacy groups have put the actual number of transgender service members as being much higher, at around 15,000. "There's a lot of fear," Shilling said, reflecting on service members like herself who are losing their jobs. She also said that being banned from the military has taken an emotional toll on the community -- some of whom have left "rough homes" and found a family in the military. "For a lot of people, this was, you know, the dream they've always wanted, and now their family is saying, you're not good enough. They're being rejected again by another family," she said. "And that's pretty brutal." When asked how she feels about her decision to voluntarily separate from the military, Shilling said that she is at "peace" because she knows that the fight is not over. "I'm at peace," she said. "I'm going to thrive, and I'm going to be able to fight this … and continue to fight for that America that I believe in -- that good, righteous America, and a lot of these service members feel very much the same." Transgender Navy pilot, barred from service, reflects on 'patriotism' ahead of Trump's military parade originally appeared on
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Transgender Navy pilot, barred from service, reflects on 'patriotism' ahead of Trump's military parade
As the U.S. military prepares to celebrate the legacy of the Army with a massive parade in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, some transgender service members are grappling with an involuntary end to their careers after the Trump administration banned them from the military. "I'm heartbroken," said Cmdr. Emily Shilling, a decorated Navy pilot who is also the lead plaintiff in Shilling vs. Trump -- one of three federal lawsuits challenging the Trump administration's executive order barring transgender service members. Shilling, who is based in the D.C. area, is also the president of Sparta Pride -- an organization advocating for 2,400 transgender people in the military and those who hope to join. Reflecting on the upcoming parade commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Army's founding, Shilling, who has served since 2005, told ABC News that "military might does not equal patriotism." "The members who take an oath and dedicate their lives to service -- that's patriotism, whether or not we have tanks or rocket launchers, that has nothing to do with it," Shilling said. Trump's military parade: What to know about the Army anniversary event And according to Shilling, for active duty members of Sparta, who were faced with the "heartbreaking" decision to voluntarily separate from the military or get kicked out, abandoning their commitment to serving their country is what's "keeping them up at night." "When I sit in these town halls that we do with Sparta, people are really struggling with the idea of giving up or quitting, or, you know, not fulfilling their oath," she said. "And that's actually what's keeping these men, women and folks you know, up at night. They feel like they have a duty to keep serving and keep fighting." The Pentagon's new ban went into effect in early May shortly after the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could enforce the ban on transgender people in the military while legal challenges proceed in lower courts. After the Supreme Court ruling, the Pentagon issued a memo giving active duty service members until June 6 -- last Friday -- to self-identify and begin the voluntary separation process. Transgender service members in the reserve forces have until July 7 to voluntarily separate. Senate Democrats file bill to prevent ban on transgender military service The memo also stated that after June 6, military commanders will be told to identify people in their units who have a diagnosis or history of gender dysphoria or exhibit symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria. The move would initiate a referral to an annual health check-up that would begin what could be a lengthy process for each individual that could lead to their removal from the military. Shilling, who will be eligible for retirement at 20 years in September, told ABC News that faced with these options, she chose to self-identify and begin the process of voluntarily separating from the military, but noted that she made the decision "under duress." "I hit my retirement date in September. So if I didn't volunteer at that time, I could theoretically be kicked out between June and September and lose everything," she said. "So it was very much a decision made under duress. You know, I was coerced into it because we knew that the voluntary separation would give me an honorable discharge with some portion of my retirement, and I'd be able to keep all of my benefits." The Pentagon incentivized service members with gender dysphoria to voluntarily separate ahead of the June 6 deadline by offering benefit payment packages that would be more than double what would be received if they were to separate involuntarily. Those who voluntarily separated would not have to risk paying back the recruitment or retention bonuses they may have earned during their military service. Its policy came after the Trump administration announced a ban on transgender service members in a Jan. 27 executive order, where President Donald Trump directed the Defense Department to revise the policy allowing transgender troops to openly serve. "Expressing a false 'gender identity' divergent from an individual's sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service," the order said. The order further argued that receiving gender-affirming medical care is one of the conditions that is physically and mentally "incompatible with active duty." Transgender service members say they face 'heartbreaking' decision amid Trump ban: Leave military or get kicked out Defense officials estimate that as of last December, about 4,240 current active-duty, National Guard and Reserve service members had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria. There are more than 2.1 million military service members serving on active-duty, National Guard and the Reserves. Advocacy groups have put the actual number of transgender service members as being much higher, at around 15,000. "There's a lot of fear," Shilling said, reflecting on service members like herself who are losing their jobs. She also said that being banned from the military has taken an emotional toll on the community -- some of whom have left "rough homes" and found a family in the military. "For a lot of people, this was, you know, the dream they've always wanted, and now their family is saying, you're not good enough. They're being rejected again by another family," she said. "And that's pretty brutal." When asked how she feels about her decision to voluntarily separate from the military, Shilling said that she is at "peace" because she knows that the fight is not over. "I'm at peace," she said. "I'm going to thrive, and I'm going to be able to fight this … and continue to fight for that America that I believe in -- that good, righteous America, and a lot of these service members feel very much the same." Transgender Navy pilot, barred from service, reflects on 'patriotism' ahead of Trump's military parade originally appeared on
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Lesser-known D-Day' strikes as Pentagon purges transgender patriots serving in the U.S. military
Friday marked a grim milestone for transgender service members across the armed forces: the deadline set by the Pentagon to either resign or face involuntary separation under a Trump administration policy that legal advocates say is discriminatory, unjustified, and a profound betrayal of those who serve. Keep up with the latest in + news and politics. Under a May 15 directive, military commanders were ordered to review medical records for any diagnosis, history, or symptoms 'consistent with gender dysphoria.' Those identified and not granted a rare, nearly unobtainable high-level waiver, which requires the denial of one's identity, are being kicked out from service. The result: a systemwide purge that LGBTQ+ advocates call discriminatory, degrading, and dangerous to military readiness. Related: Meet the transgender Army lieutenant who is challenging Donald Trump's military banRelated: This trans Air Force recruit wants to jump out of planes to save others. He's suing Trump to serveRelated: Transgender Army officer Erica Vandal was born into military service. Now, she's suing Trump to stay in 'There's nothing voluntary about forced separation,' said Jennifer Levi, senior director of transgender and queer rights at GLAD Law, which represents transgender plaintiffs suing the administration over the ban in Talbott v. United States. 'Honorable and committed transgender servicemembers are being coerced into choreographing their own dismissal under a presidential edict that maligns their character with falsehoods — characterizations the government itself admitted in court are untrue. These are decorated veterans who served for decades, and forcing them out simply for being transgender is a shameful betrayal of American values.' The policy took effect after the U.S. Supreme Court lifted an injunction in a separate case, Shilling v. United States, the lead lawsuit challenging the ban. Commander Emily Shilling, a Navy pilot, aerospace engineer, and the first out transgender aviator cleared for tactical jet operations, is the lead plaintiff in that case out of Washington state. Speaking at the Equality PAC Pride Gala just days before the implementation of forced separation, Shilling made her position clear. 'The case was originally Shilling v. Trump, and now it's Shilling v. United States. I want to make it very clear: I am not against the United States. I serve because I love this country — even when the courts get it wrong,' she said. Related: Federal judge dismantles Trump's trans military ban in explosive hearing 'This ban does not make us stronger,' Shilling continued. 'It tells service members that their identity matters more than their performance, their sacrifice, or even their oath.' The Pentagon's order has triggered a wave of quiet exits — and agonizing decisions. Some troops are retiring early to preserve benefits. Others are being separated involuntarily under codes usually reserved for misconduct. Major Erica Vandal, a plaintiff in Talbott v. United States, is among those now being forced out. She is a West Point graduate, a Bronze Star recipient, and a veteran of Afghanistan who served with distinction for 14 years. 'The military has invested millions of dollars in training thousands of transgender servicemembers,' said Shannon Minter, legal director at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, which also represents Talbott plaintiffs. 'Major Vandal and others are now being forced out through a humiliating process typically reserved for misconduct that will leave a stain on their records. This mistreatment… is needlessly cruel and a shocking betrayal of our commitment to all those who serve.' Related: Federal judge roasts Trump DOJ attorney over 'frankly ridiculous' claims in transgender military ban case Second Lieutenant Nicolas Talbott, the lead plaintiff, has told The Advocate that he had no intention of resigning. 'I do not have any plans to pursue voluntary separation,' he said in May. Navy Commander Blake Dremann, a submarine logistics officer and one of the first out transgender service members, marked the day with a somber reflection online. 'Today will be a lesser-known D-Day for many transgender service members,' he wrote in a lengthy post on the social media platform Threads. 'They must 'choose' to leave voluntarily or ride out involuntary separation. I have requested my regular retirement… It feels like giving up. It feels like I will be judged for it.' Dremann, who was set to deploy for the 12th time, called the ban's deployability rationale 'made up' and listed what he called the '7 Truths' of transgender service: they are in every branch and specialty; they lead, deploy, and train others; they are welcomed and trusted by their units; and they have families and communities who support them. 'We LOVE what we do AND we are damn good at it,' he wrote. 'If merit is what matters, my gender shouldn't.' Waivers under the policy must be approved by a Senate-confirmed official—a process that many legal advocates describe as opaque and functionally unattainable since it requires the military member not to express their gender identity. The Pentagon has cut transgender troops off from SkillBridge, a civilian career prep program, and reinstated its ban on gender-affirming care. While legal challenges persist, lawmakers are highlighting the policy's immediate harm. On Thursday, Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois — a decorated Iraq War veteran and double amputee — led 22 Senate Democrats in a last-minute plea to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, urging him not to carry out what they called a 'foolhardy,' 'cruel,' and 'politically motivated' expulsion. Related: Combat vet Tammy Duckworth leads Democrats' final plea to stop Pentagon purge as trans military ban begins In a scathing letter obtained by The Advocate, Duckworth wrote that the policy 'punishes those who have volunteered to serve' and warned that it would 'harm our armed services' operational readiness and lethality.' The letter condemned the Pentagon's order to assign separation codes to transgender troops that suggest they pose a threat to national security. 'Using this discharge code is not only cruel,' it read. 'It's stupid.' For Dremann, who says he would continue serving if allowed, the impact is personal, but the fight is larger than one career. 'Our lives as service members are an example to many that need to see it to believe they can be us,' he wrote. Talbott, a reservist, said he has until July 7 to decide whether to fight separation or accept what the government calls 'voluntary' exit. 'I'm definitely feeling the weight of what this means for my thousands of fellow trans service members who are active duty and had to make their impossible decision by today,' Talbott told The Advocate on Friday. 'We are all burdened with the uncertainty of what's to come and major concerns about the widespread ramifications of the sudden dismissal of thousands of troops. I continue to find strength in the knowledge that this fight is not over, and I am confident that we will prevail in the end.' Another plaintiff, 24-year-old Air Force recruit Clayton McCallister, graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas on Thursday after 7.5 weeks of grueling instruction. Despite graduating with the highest physical training scores in his dorm and receiving praise from superiors and peers alike, McCallister was told he would not be allowed to continue to technical school. 'Everybody that I worked with and worked for wants me to be in the Air Force—point blank,' McCallister said in a phone interview Friday. 'They said I was one of the best trainees they've had come through there. As far as my wingmen, they're mad about it just as much as I am.' Although McCallister technically remains on active duty, he has begun the process of separation, doing so under protest. 'It's not what I want,' he said. 'But with the uncertainty of the involuntary separation process, especially in a training environment, my wife and I just want some stability in this. With the end result likely being the same, I told them I want whatever is fastest to get the whole process over with.' He added that he's not eager to set his dreams and hard work aside, but that having been forced to decide his future, he's putting his family first and going with certainty, for now. McCallister, who trained for a career in special warfare and was preparing to enter pararescue—a highly selective field involving combat and medical rescue, said the decision to force out trans troops despite their qualifications sends a dangerous and demoralizing message. 'When I first came to training, I thought I had to prove that trans people could serve,' he said. 'But as I got deeper into it, I realized: we've already proven that, over and over. Thousands of trans service members have already done that.' McCallister said fellow trainees told him he had changed their minds about the ban. One airman who initially supported it told McCallister he now stands firmly against it after serving beside him. 'I may not have won the war,' McCallister said. 'But I won some battles here at BMT. I changed some opinions.' Now in legal limbo, McCallister is awaiting paperwork, medical evaluations, and the official processing of his discharge. He said the timeline is unclear, and his family remains in flux. 'We're just trying to find some stability again,' he said. 'It's stressful. But people here saw me for who I am. That means something.'
The Hill
05-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Deadline looms for Trump's transgender troop ban
The Big Story Transgender active-duty service members must decide whether to leave the military on their own or be forced out by Friday under a deadline imposed by the Pentagon last month. © Getty The 30-day deadline, announced last month by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is a life-altering decision that those interviewed by The Hill said is nearly impossible to make. 'It's crushing,' said Cmdr. Emily 'Hawking' Shilling, who has served in the Navy for almost two decades. 'It's heartbreaking.' A naval aviator with 60 combat missions under her belt, Shilling oversaw a staff of about 200 people before she requested voluntary separation last month and was placed on administrative leave. In her latest fitness report, Shilling's commander described her as an 'inspiring leader' with 'boundless energy' and 'unmatched enthusiasm.' 'People excel under Hawking's leadership,' they wrote, referring to Shilling by her callsign. The report and Shilling's own experiences contradict how President Trump and administration officials have sought to frame her and other transgender troops' service. Trump's Jan. 27 executive order to boot transgender people from the military states they cannot satisfy the 'rigorous standards' needed to serve, and that allowing their participation threatens military readiness and unit cohesion, an argument long used to keep marginalized groups from serving. A 2016 RAND Corp. study commissioned by the Pentagon found that allowing trans people to serve had no negative impact on unit cohesion, operational effectiveness or readiness. Shilling, who currently serves as president of SPARTA Pride, an advocacy group for transgender service members, said she is complying with the Trump administration's policy despite believing it to be unlawful and challenging it in court. She stressed that her views do not reflect those of the Department of Defense or the Navy. Shilling's lawsuit, filed in February with six other trans service members, argues that 'banning ready, willing, and able service members does not further the objectives of the United States Armed Forces.' A federal judge in Washington state, where the suit was filed, sided with the service members in a March ruling that temporarily blocked the administration from enforcing Trump's order. But after an emergency application from the Justice Department, the Supreme Court ruled in May that the Trump administration could begin enforcing its ban on trans military service. 'My oath is to the Constitution and to obey all lawful orders,' Shilling said in an interview. 'The only way that I can challenge whether or not something is lawful is through the courts, and so I actually see this as an extension of my duty, of my oath.' Read the full report at Welcome to The Hill's Defense & National Security newsletter, I'm Ellen Mitchell — your guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads How policy will affect defense and national security now and inthe future: Bannon: Musk should be 'deported from the country immediately' MAGA insider and former White House adviser Steve Bannon called on President Trump to investigate Elon Musk's immigration status and deport the South African tech billionaire after the bitter implosion of the president's relationship with Musk on Thursday. 'They should initiate a formal investigation of his immigration status because I am of the strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and he should be deported … DC's National Airport will close during Army's June 14 party Reagan Washington National Airport will close during the U.S. Army's June 14 celebration, which will feature a large-scale military parade. 'To accommodate aircraft flyovers along the parade route, followed by a fireworks display, the Federal Aviation Administration is expected to suspend airline operations at DCA — affecting scheduled flights,' an alert on the airport's website reads. 'Customers with flight reservations for … GOP blocks Democratic effort to combat Pentagon renaming of USNS Harvey Milk Senate Republicans blocked an effort by Democrats Thursday to oppose Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's order to strip Harvey Milk's name from a Navy oil ship. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) on Thursday attempted to pass a resolution via unanimous consent that objected to the Pentagon's directive to rename the ship but was blocked by Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.). Milk, a gay rights activist, was a Navy lieutenant who served during … Trump picks next heads of US forces in Europe, Middle East, Africa President Trump has picked the next three military officers to lead U.S. forces in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Pentagon has announced. Trump is nominating Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich as commander of U.S. European Command, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper to lead U.S. Central Command (Centcom) and Air Force Lt. Gen. Dagvin Anderson to head U.S. Africa Command. The announcements for Cooper and Anderson were made Wednesday, … On Tap Tomorrow Events in and around the defense world: What We're Reading News we've flagged from other outlets: Trending Today Two key stories on The Hill right now: Musk says Trump is named in Epstein files Billionaire Elon Musk alleged that President Trump has ties to convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein as the part of his growing feud … Read more Live updates: Musk retaliates against Trump, claiming he is in Epstein files, backs impeachment A fight between President Trump and Elon Musk that broke into the open over the 'big, beautiful bill' earlier in the week escalated quickly … Read more Opinions in The Hill Op-eds related to defense & national security submitted to The Hill: You're all caught up. See you tomorrow! Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chuck Schumer & Hakeem Jeffries commit to defending trans rights at star-studded Pride gala
With more than 70 members of Congress in attendance to hear music legend Dionne Warwick, 84, sing her 1985 hit 'That's What Friends Are For,' Wednesday's Equality PAC National Pride Gala, hosted by drag queen Bianca Del Rio, served as a powerful rebuke to the Trump administration's ongoing assault on LGBTQ+ rights — especially the reinstated ban on transgender military service. Keep up with the latest in + news and politics. Featuring speeches from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and first-year Delaware U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride — the first out transgender member of Congress — the evening unfolded as a celebration of queer political power and an urgent recommitment to legislative and legal resistance. 'Donald Trump and the MAGA radicals have targeted LGBTQ Americans more than just about any other group,' Schumer, who has a lesbian daughter, said. 'Banning trans Americans from serving in the military, prohibiting Pride flags in public institutions in red states — and now, some states are even bringing back conversion therapy.' Chuck Schumer speaks onstage at the Equality PAC Galajon fleming photography for Equality PAC Related: Schumer also condemned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to strip Harvey Milk's name from a ship during Pride Month, calling it 'a shameful, vindictive erasure of leaders who fought to break down barriers for all Americans.' He urged the audience to stay engaged: 'We will not let America backslide on our watch. We will pass the Equality Act. We'll stop LGBTQ Americans [from being discriminated against] and make sure that every American has a seat at the table.' Related: The gala took place just weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a nationwide injunction on the trans military ban, allowing the Trump administration to immediately enforce Executive Order 14183, which bars enlistment and mandates expulsion of transgender service members regardless of performance. Related: Plaintiffs in the lead case, Shilling v. United States, include Commander Emily Shilling, a decorated Navy pilot and aerospace engineer who became the first out transgender aviator cleared for tactical jet operations. The lawsuit, initially titled Shilling v. Trump, was renamed following the administration's motion to substitute the United States as the official defendant. Shilling addressed the renaming in her remarks: 'The case was originally Shilling v. Trump, and now it's Shilling v. United States. I want to make it very clear: I am not against the United States. I serve because I love this country — even when the courts get it wrong.' U.S. Naval Aviator Commander Emily Schilling speaks onstage at the Equality PAC Gala, Washington, D.C., June 2025Christopher Wiggins for The Advocate Shilling, who received a rousing standing ovation, delivered a forceful indictment of the policy and its political motivations. 'For the last six years — this is the surprise part — I have served openly as a transgender [person],' she said. 'I lead SPARTA, an organization representing over 2,400 transgender service members and veterans. They serve under the sea, in the air, and on the front lines. Some can't even speak their truth aloud without risking their careers — and still, they show up.' 'When the new ban was announced in January, I took it personally — not because I doubt who I am, but because it cast doubt on every trans soldier, every trans leader who's just trying to serve with honor,' she continued. 'This ban does not make us stronger. It tells service members that their identity matters more than their performance, their sacrifice, or even their oath.' Related: Meet the transgender Army lieutenant who is challenging Donald Trump's military ban Shilling likened the current climate to past moments of targeted persecution: 'Whether it's immigrants, Black Americans, Jews, women, Muslims, gay, lesbians, and now transgender people — each time, we're framed as a threat to children and to society. Not because it's true, but because fear is easier than telling the truth.' From the House side, Jeffries reaffirmed his caucus's support. 'Let me be clear: House Democrats will always stand with the LGBTQ community — including our transgender fellow Americans,' he said. 'We all want to move the country forward. But there are extremists who want to turn back the clock and erase our progress, erase our history.' He called out the Navy's decision to remove Harvey Milk's name as emblematic of that erasure. 'Keep your hands off the USNS Harvey Milk,' he said. 'We will stand up for equality and freedom for the LGBTQ+ community. And when we take back the House, we will pass the Equality Act and make it the law of the land.' Sarah McBride speaks at Equality PAC gala jon fleming photography for Equality PAC For McBride, the night marked a full-circle moment. 'Tonight, I am proud to stand before you as an out, proud transgender woman and as a member of the United States House of Representatives,' she said. Related: This trans Air Force recruit wants to jump out of planes to save others. He's suing Trump to serve McBride noted that she had attended the gala in years past — first as a candidate, then as the Democratic nominee. Now she returned as a lawmaker. 'Right now, people like me are being used as political pawns by Donald Trump and the MAGA movement,' she said. 'Some of my colleagues are trying to use me as a political pawn. But I refuse.' She said that it takes two to tango and that she refuses to give detractors the attention they seek when they attack her publicly. With characteristic wit, she added, 'The good news is, trans people can't dance — but we can fucking legislate.' The room erupted in laughter and applause. She closed with an affirmation of trans visibility and competence: 'We get shit done. We know how to meet people where they are. We understand the art of change-making. And we belong — we belong in the military, we belong in schools, in C suites, onstage, in state legislatures, and yes, we even belong in the halls of Congress.' Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi speaks onstage at the Equality PAC galajon fleming photography for Equality PAC Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, presenting the Nancy Pelosi Equality PAC Ally Award to Eugene Levy, also addressed the attacks on LGBTQ+ icons like Milk. 'This shameful, vindictive erasure of someone like Harvey Milk will never erase his achievement,' Pelosi said. 'Don't talk to me about tolerance. That's a condescending word. In San Francisco, it's about respect. It's about love. It's about pride.' Related: Transgender Army officer Erica Vandal was born into military service. Now, she's suing Trump to stay in She praised McBride, saying, 'Sarah doesn't just take their bait — she shows them the way, with dignity and brilliance.' Gay New York U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres, co-chair of Equality PAC, speaking to The Advocate earlier in the evening, framed the moment as historic and perilous. 'We're holding the Equality PAC Gala in the age of vicious and relentless scapegoating and demagoguery against the LGBTQ community,' he said. 'Donald Trump is intent on creating a reign of terror that inhibits LGBTQ people from expressing their true selves. And our message to Donald Trump is: We refuse to be terrorized.' Drag performers onstage at the Equality PAC galajon fleming photography for Equality PAC With more than 70 members of Congress in the room, including out Reps. Becca Balint, Emily Randall, Julie Johnson, Mark Takano (who's also a cofounder and cochair of Equality PAC), Chris Pappas, and Angie Craig, the gala was one of the most potent visual affirmations yet of Equality PAC's growing political clout — and of the Democratic Party's commitment to defending trans rights in the 2026 midterms and beyond. 'History does not bend on its own,' Shilling reminded the crowd. 'It bends when we pull with everything we've got — together.'
