(516) TAVA 911  
TBlog

POTUS Tweet regarding Transgender Service

TRANSGENDER AMERICAN VETERANS ASSOCIATION (TAVA)
July 26, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Re: POTUS Tweet regarding Transgender Service

The proud patriotic veterans and service members of Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA) are deeply disappointed by President Trump’s heartless tweet this morning prohibiting transgender military service. Understandably, the nation is in shock and disbelief that a president would turn his back upon those service members that have sacrificed their life for his freedom to tweet such a post.

Evan Young, Major US Army retired, President of Transgender American Veterans Association, said, “This morning’s tweet by the President is deeply disappointing. TAVA is actively working with other organizations to create a unified front. We support our actively serving brothers and sisters. As transgender American veterans, who have proudly and patriotically volunteered to serve in our nation’s armed forces, we feel that assault doubly on our identity, on who we are. Our brothers, sisters, family, and allies were targeted and our freedom and resolve tested. As veterans, we are keenly aware of that price for freedom, and I personally call on each and everyone to step up their situational awareness, administer self-care, and be safe out there.”

We must not lose sight of the fact that transgender people have served honorably and for decades. For the last year, transgender persons served openly without an issue. Currently, policies in place do require that transgender recruits complete transition prior to entering into the service. The President’s careless tweet is just that, a tweet and not policy. TAVA will continue to provide unwavering support for our transgender service members and veterans past, present, and future.

Contact: Evan Young, President of TAVA 516-828-2911 evan@transveteran.org

Evan Young

Evan Young

Evan Young is originally from Little Rock, Ark. He graduated basic training in 1989, transitioned from a sergeant to lieutenant in 1998, and rose to the rank of Major before retiring. In 1998, Evan graduated from Northwestern State University of Louisiana with a B.A. in English. From there, he continued his studies while on Active Duty and graduated from Nova Southeastern University in Florida with a M.S. in Management Information Systems. He earned his public affairs credentials in 2004 and broadcasting management credentials in 2007. He served in the Reserves, Guard, and Active Duty. He was the Hawaii National Guard as a Public Affairs officer and a Media Officer at NORAD and US NORTHCOM. Evan began transition in 2011. He retired from the Army as a Major in 2013. Since then he began his own web development company, EF Young, has written for OutServe magazine as a blogger, is the former president of the Arkansas Transgender Equality Coalition, and currently serves as the national president of the Transgender American Veterans Association. Evan currently lives in Dover, AR. with his two children.

Back To Top