NYC Health Commissioner and CUNY SPH Advisory Board member Mary Bassett on President Trump’s Ban on Transgender Americans Serving in the Military

“Freely expressing one’s gender identity and gender expression is central to mental and physical health. The President’s decision to ban transgender Americans from serving in the armed forces will have a detrimental effect on a community that has been stigmatized for far too long. This decision is not driven by sound data, but by misguided prejudice. Transgender Americans who volunteer to join the armed forces deserve the same care and respect as any other enlisted American. We are hopeful that the federal government will reconsider this unfair decision. The Health Department stands with the transgender community and remains focused on achieving health equity for all New Yorkers,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett.