MTV invites trans military members to 2017 VMAs

about 7 years in NY Daily

Take your ban and shove it!

MTV has extended an invite to transgender military personnel amid reports that Donald Trump intends to ban their service.

"MTV has invited transgender members of the US armed forces to the 2017 Video Music Awards and we would be honored if they could attend," Christopher McCarthy, president of MTV, told the Daily News.

"Any patriot who is putting their own life at risk to fight for our freedom and stands for equality is a hero at MTV, and to young people everywhere."A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed the news, telling CNN they were "reviewing" the request.

It's unclear, however, whether trans service members will be permitted to attend the event.

"MTV has requested service member participation for this year's MTV VMAs," Lt. Col. Paul Haverstick told CNN. "At this time the Department of Defense is reviewing the parameters of the request."

Military guidelines restrict active service members from participating in highly publicized public events, especially those containing political commentary.

The network's decision appears to be a direct response to Trump's proposed transgender service ban, initially announced via Twitter on July 26.

It has since been reported that the President intends to move forward with that idea, prohibiting further transgender potential enlistees and removing those currently active in the various military branches from service.

Trump's proposed transgender service ban has been met with much backlash from members of government and the public.

Chelsea Manning, a transgender former Army soldier charged with leaking intelligence information, addressed Trump's proposal on Twitter. She called it an act of "cowardice."

Former Vice President Joe Biden also spoke out in opposition on Twitter stating, "Every patriotic American who is qualified to serve in our military should be able to serve. Full stop."

Sen. John McCain, who also clashed with Trump over his health care bill, called Trump's directive "inappropriate," citing a Pentagon study on the matter, Reuters reported.

Celebrities like Seth Rogen, Laverne Cox, Lena Dunham and more were also vocal in their opposition of the transgender ban.

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