Celebrities react to Trump’s transgender military ban

Laverne Cox, George Taki and more tweet disapproval

Published

8 years ago

July 27, 2017

(Screenshot via Twitter.)

While President Donald Trump took to Twitter to announce a ban against transgender people in the U.S. military on Wednesday, he wasn’t the only one who decided to use Twitter to get a message across.

Celebrities tweeted their criticism and disapproval of the ban in a flurry of messages across social media.

Trump is banning all transgenders from the military. To those who believed Trump would be a friend to LGBTs, time to admit you were conned.

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 26, 2017

Trolling at its finest from a man who’s never served & shown up the way trans servicefolk have & are https://t.co/r8f6vW2N4J

— Janet Mock (@janetmock) July 26, 2017

As trans women and men We have never asked for anything other than to live our life as our authentic self this hate has to stop!

— candis cayne (@candiscayne) July 26, 2017

Are you TRYING to be an asshole? https://t.co/QW9axAScmO

— Andy Cohen (@Andy) July 26, 2017

We should be grateful to the people who wish to serve, not turn our backs on them. Banning transgender people is hurtful, baseless and wrong

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) July 26, 2017

My fellow trans Americans despite what some may say your existence is valuable. Your lives, safety, & service matter. #TransIsBeautiful

— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) July 26, 2017

I just want to tell the transgender community that I love you and you ARE supported no matter what. #ProtectTransTroops

— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) July 26, 2017

Hey Ivanka, James here. Hope all is good, quick question, can you… Erm… Call your dad and have a talk. X https://t.co/yiiL89J3Ap

— James Corden (@JKCorden) July 26, 2017

I grew up in a military w/ LGBT people serving in the shadows. We can’t let DT turn back the clock on our brave, trans soldiers. #RISEUP

— Dustin Lance Black (@DLanceBlack) July 26, 2017

I’m starting to think they don’t know what these letters actually stand for. https://t.co/ieznVV5Gio

— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) July 26, 2017

The message you have just sent has endangered the lives of people all over the United States and overseas bravely serving our nation @POTUS

— xoxo, Gaga (@ladygaga) July 26, 2017

ALL those who defend our right to live freely should be able to serve freely! There are THOUSANDS currently serving! #ProtectTransTroops

— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) July 26, 2017

Banning transgender people from serving our country is simply wrong. We should be so grateful to anybody who wants to serve!

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) July 26, 2017

#ProtectTransTroops #ProtectTransTroops #ProtectTransTroops #ProtectTransTroops #ProtectTransTroops #ProtectTransTroops !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) July 26, 2017

I hope deep down Trump voters realize the increasing amount of psychological & perhaps even physical damage they’ve done to fellow Americans

— billy eichner (@billyeichner) July 26, 2017

These excuses for the military trans ban are B.S. trans people are not a “disruption” we are human have the same value as everyone else.

— Peppermint (@Peppermint247) July 26, 2017

From a report commissioned by the pentagon last year. Let’s not tolerate blatant transphobia under the guise of some huge ‘financial burden’ pic.twitter.com/1wz1bvaB0O

— troye sivan (@troyesivan) July 26, 2017

#transrightsarehumanrights

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) July 26, 2017

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FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C

Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement

Published

59 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

Kevin Naff

Gay Pride Day 1976 (Washington Blade archive photo)

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.

*D.C.’s Different Drummers march in the 2006 Capital Pride Parade. (Washington Blade archive photo by Adam Cuthbert)*

The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.

Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.

*The 1995 Lesbian and Gay Freedom Festival was held on Freedom Plaza on June 18. (Washington Blade archive photo by Clint Steib)*

The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.

We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.

I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.

*The D.C. Black Gay Men & Women’s Community Conference table at Gay Pride Day in 1978. (Washington Blade archive photo by Jim Marks)*

*A scene from 1985 Gay and Lesbian Pride Day. (Washington Blade archive photo by Doug Hinckle)*

*A scene from the 1988 Gay and Lesbian Pride Day. (Washington Blade archive photo by Doug Hinckle)*

*A scene from the Capital Pride Block Party in 2018. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)*

*Keke Palmer performs at the 2024 Capital Pride Festival. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)*

Photos

PHOTOS: Equality Prince William Pride

Fourth annual event held in Old Town Manassas

Published

2 days ago

May 20, 2025

Michael Key

Muffy Blake Stephyns performs at 2025 Prince William Equality Pride. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Photos

PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party

Gov. Meyer speaks at annual Rehoboth event

Published

3 days ago

May 19, 2025

Daniel Truitt

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer speaks at the Washington Blade's 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on Friday, May 16. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

The Washington Blade held its 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on Friday, May 16. Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer spoke along with State Sen. Russ Huxtable, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey, Blade Editor Kevin Naff, and Clear Space Theatre Managing Director Joe Gfaller. The event raises funds for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which was awarded to AU student Abigail Hatting.

(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)