San Diego (KGTV)- In his first week in office, President Joe Biden has signed several executive orders, including reversing transgender service members' ban in our nation's military.
"All Americans must have the right to basically put up their hand and say I want to defend the constitution of the United States."
Veronica Zerrer is a retired U.S. Army Reservist. She served 22 years in the military. She says she had to wait until after serving to transition.
"The military wasn't going to allow lesbians or gays to serve openly, let alone transgender people," says Zerrer.
Over time, the LGBTQ community has become more supported.
"This country is a beacon for everybody to realize their full potential."
Even though Zerrer was not active at the time, she says former President Trump'sTrump's ban on transgender service members was disappointing.
"When the past administration told us it was hard to basically say to yourself no, I am just as American."
Monday morning President Biden signed an executive order overturning the ban.
In a White House briefing, Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated, "With this E.O., no one will be separated or discharged from the military or enlistment for the basis of gender identity. And for those transgender service members who were discharged or separated because of their gender identity, their cases will be reexamined."
San Diego Pride released a statement in response to the signing, saying in part:
"Today, our country took an important humanizing step for our trans siblings in showing people across the U.S. and the world that all those who are willing and able to protect and serve our country should be afforded dignity and respect."
