I'm just one example of thousands of transgender veterans and people who are actively serving today.

Transgender people have served, are serving, and will continue to serve.

The repeal of don't ask, don't tell didn't change things for transgender people in the military. What it has done, though, I think, is it has taught our military leaders that they don't need to be afraid of these issues.

In some states, a very small number of states, it is illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of their gender identity, transgender identification. In the vast majority, it is perfectly legal.

I'm just one example of thousands of transgender veterans and people who are actively serving today.

Our allies, Great Britain, Australia, Israel, some of the strongest militaries in the world, allow transgender people to serve openly and have experienced no ill effects from that.

The U.S. military is so far behind the rest of our society.