A Defense of the Transgender Military Ban

It’s not bigotry. It’s just business.

Anyone who decides to risk their lives for our freedom in the United States military is a hero, no matter what race, religion, sexual or gender identity.

Even the people who the U.S. armed forces turn away for various reasons—including but not limited to flat feet, bunions and asthma—are also heroes for simply wanting to serve.

But nobody cries “ableism” whenever these brave folks aren’t allowed into the ranks of the strongest military in the world. We understand that the costs and accommodations necessary for their conditions would burn taxpayer money and negatively affect our military’s combat readiness, the factor that matters more than anything else.

So no, President Trump’s announcement Tuesday that transgender people will not be able to serve in the United States military in any capacity is not transphobic. It’s just common sense, if you don’t let your emotions blind you.