FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 10, 2021
CONTACT: press@iava.org

New York, NY – On Thursday, March 11th, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) CEO Jeremy Butler will be joined by LGBTQ advocates Nicolas Talbott, Bree Fram, and Jennifer Levi to discuss the importance of non-discrimination in the military via a Facebook Live event.

“In order to be truly effective, our military must be as diverse and inclusive as the country we fight to protect,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA. “As a leading veteran service organization, we will continue our fight against discrimination of the LGBTQ members in our ranks, and work to provide tailored support and resources they deserve.”

“The fight against the Transgender Military ban highlighted the tremendous courage and commitment of transgender servicemembers, veterans and aspiring servicemembers,” said Jennifer Levi, Transgender Rights Project Director, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders. “Nic, Bree and the many others who’ve shared their stories have shone a light on the incredible contributions transgender Americans make every day both in the military and in their communities across the country.”

“Transgender servicemembers faced the same arguments against their service that were levied against African Americans, women, and lesbians, gays, and bisexuals when they were integrated into the military. As with all the groups that came before them, the honorable service and mission focus of transgender servicemembers has proven their worth and shown just how wrong the arguments against them are,” said Bree Fram, VP of SPART*A – A Transgender Military Advocacy Organization. “In the not too distant future we will look back at this era and wonder why it was even up for debate. A military without transgender people should be unconscionable because we are going to fight and win future wars with brainpower. If those brains should happen to be in transgender bodies our nation needs them just as badly as all others.”

“For as long as I can remember it has been my dream to serve my country in the U.S. military,” said Nicolas Talbott, an aspiring servicemember who challenged the transgender military ban as a plaintiff in Stockman v. Trump. “I’m relieved that with the ban now lifted I and other transgender Americans can be evaluated solely on our ability to meet military standards. I look forward to returning to ROTC and becoming the best military officer I can be.” 

This Facebook Live event will provide an overview about the history of LGBTQ contributions to the armed services, the Transgender Military Ban and its impact on the service community, and the importance of equitable and inclusive legislation. The event will also highlight personal stories from LGBTQ veterans, aspiring service members, activists, and more.  There will be time allotted for viewers to ask questions throughout the event.

WHO:        

Jeremy Butler, CEO, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

Bree Fram, Vice President, SPART*A, Lt. Col. in the United States Air  Force

Nic Talbott, (plaintiff, Stockman v. Trump) Aspiring servicemember in Lisbon Ohio

Jennifer Levi, Transgender Rights Project Director, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)

WHAT:     

IAVA Announces Facebook Live Event on Importance of LGBTQ Non-Discrimination

WHEN:       

Thursday, March 11th at 4:00pm EST/ 1:00pm PST

WHERE:     

Join the Facebook Live event here. The event is open to the press.

Jeremy Butler serves as IAVA’s Chief Executive Officer. Jeremy joined IAVA with 15+ years of experience providing substantive and strategic counsel to leaders in high-profile government and private sector offices, including the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. He graduated from Knox College with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and received a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He is a Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy Reserve. Butler regularly contributes to national media outlets across the country.

IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 400,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

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