Biden Praises LGBTQ+ Soldiers, Slams Trump in New Message

Former vice president and current Democratic nominee for president Joe Biden came out swinging in support of LGBTQ+ military service members, and slamming President Donald Trump for denigrating the sacrifices of fallen soldiers.

"Generations of Americans, many of them LGBTQ+, have shed blood around the world in defense of our freedoms and to protect U.S. vital interests," Biden wrote in an op-ed for LGBTQ Nation. "But instead of honoring them, President Trump denigrates their sacrifice, calling our fallen service members 'losers' and 'suckers.' He's made clear he has no commitment to, or sense of, service, and no loyalty to any cause other than himself."

Biden noted how he was "proud to work with President Obama" and others to end the discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy nine years ago. He also reaffirmed where a potential Biden administration would stand on the issue of trans Americans serving openly and with honor and distinction in the military.

"As president, I will direct the Department of Defense to allow transgender service members to serve openly, receive needed medical treatment, and be free from discrimination," Biden promised.

"Duty, honor, country -- those are the values that drive our service members," he wrote. "And if I have the privilege of serving as the next commander in chief, I will ensure that our American heroes know I will have their back and honor their sacrifice -- always, no matter who they are or who they love."

The move to reverse the trans ban may find some opposition as at least two military serivce chiefs have spoken out about being hesitant, or about being in opposition to the change. Still Biden is undaunted.

"I remain proud today to stand with the LGBTQ+ community in their tireless pursuit of equality and human rights," he declared.

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