Community members and supporters of Cincinnati’s LGBT community gathered to protest President Trump’s planned ban on transgender military members.
Embed
Share
Embed
Share
Embed
Share
Embed
Share
Embed
Share
Several dozen people gathered on the front steps of City Hall Wednesday to protest President Trump’s plan to reinstate a ban on transgender citizens serving «in any capacity» in the U. S. military.
The mood: More incredulity than dismay.
«If you are dismissed from our military, because of who you are, know that you are welcome in the City of Cincinnati, and our police department, » Councilman Chris Seelbach, Cincinnati’s first openly gay councilman, told the crowd.
Joining Seelbach at the event were fellow council members Yvette Simpson — who is running for mayor — and David Mann, as well as council candidates Tamaya Dennard and Derek Bauman. Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune was also present.
«I am proud that transgender Americans are defending our freedom, as they have been doing for years, and decades, » Seelbach said. «Transgender people are currently serving openly in our military, fighting for our freedoms that we hold so dear.»
Chuck Beatty, festival director for Cincinnati’s OutReels film festival and Grand Marshal in this year’s Pride Parade, organized the event.
«Any chance that we have to show support for the trans community, we have to jump in and do it, » Beatty said. «This is the smallest thing you can possibly do, for members of our community.»
