Veteran Labels Supreme Court's Approval of Trans Ban as 'Attack'

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Trump administration contends that delaying the Department of Defense's transgender military ban might jeopardize U.S. military preparedness. However, members within the transgender service member community believe that the Supreme Court's decision permitting the enforcement of this ban was expected.

Female at birth, Shane Ortega is a transgender man who identifies as nonbinary. The retired Army Staff Sergeant and Marine veteran, who is part Native American, served 13 years in the military including service at Wheeler Army Airfield on Oahu in an aviation unit.

“It’s an atrocious attack against human dignity not just specifically for trans people who are being marginalized, but extremely weaponized,” said Ortega.

"It's a total misrepresentation of Hawaiian culture," Ortega added.

HNN talked to a transgender service member stationed in Hawaii who chose to stay anonymous as they have not come out to their unit yet.

"Honestly, hearing about the ongoing enforcement of the ban was disheartening and it truly affected our spirits," they stated.

Hawaii hosts all branches of the active-duty military. Additionally, according to information from HNN, this decision might affect both the Hawaii Army and Air National Guard; however, the policy still requires finalization.

The governor serves as the Commander in Chief of both the Hawaii Army and Air National Guard, and has the authority to activate them in case of emergencies; however, they do not have influence over policies according to what we’ve been informed.