Michael Stipe, Chainsmokers, Dua Lipa, Slam Trump's Trans Military Ban
President Donald Trump declared this week that transgender service members were prohibited from serving in the U.S. military, citing “tremendous medical costs and disruption.”
While it’s unclear how Trump’s tweets will affect policy, criticism came swiftly from across the political spectrum. Notable members of the music community have now joined the loud chorus of citizens speaking out against the ban with a harmonious pro-trans message.
Partnering with GLAAD, Billboard Pride asked some of today's hottest artists to submit brief videos supporting the trans community. Participants who lent their voices include Michael Stipe, Rita Ora, The Chainsmokers, Bonnie McKee, CupcakKe, Dave1 of Chromeo, Dina Delicious, Dua Lipa, Jackie Cruz, Juliet and Jackie Evancho, Justin Tranter, K.Flay, Kirstin Maldonado, Lynn Gunn of Pvris, Marshmello, Superfruit, Shamir, Shea Diamond, and Wrabel.
The message is apparently so important to Sia that the queer artist recorded her video without her signature face-obscuring wig.
"Transgender people have served honorably for decades, and the current policy works fine," say the artists, noting the brave efforts of an estimated 15,000 trans American patriots. "The cost of care to transgender troops is negligible, but their duty and service are priceless. Transgender people fill critical military roles, and removing them from their units will disrupt core military missions."
The video also features reigning RuPaul's Drag Race winner Sasha Velour, past winner Bob the Drag Queen, and trans Drag Race alum Peppermint.
"To our friends in the transgender community," they continue, "we love you, we support you, we stand by you, and we will not abandon you."
Meanwhile, former One Direction member Liam Payne also responded to the trans military ban on social media by posting a quote from the Declaration of Independence. When a follower advised the British singer to stay out of U.S. politics, he replied that "it’s about support for a community that deserves the right to live the dream" of serving their country.
Watch the Billboard Pride video below.
