On Friday night, President Trump announced that he would once again attempt to ban transgender people from serving in the military, based on recommendations that their health concerns undermine military readiness. Since then, the nation’s two biggest mental health organizations have come forward to condemn that decision.
The American Psychiatric Association responded Saturday with a statement from APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A. “The APA stands firmly against discrimination against anyone, and this ban is a discriminatory action,” he said. “This ban not only harms those who have chosen to serve our country, but it also casts a pall over all transgender Americans. This discrimination has a negative impact on the mental health of those targeted.”