What are laws that prohibit children from receiving puberty blockers or having their genitals surgically removed? According to the head of the US Space Force, such laws are “anti-LGBTQ+” and “distract” service members.
Such is what Space Force Chief Operating Officer Lt. Gen. DeAnna Burt said in a press conference in which she attacked the 400 or so state regulations which largely are aimed at what the states say is the protection of minors and prohibit sex change operations or drugs for kids.
Specifically, she said, “Since January of this year, more than 400 anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been introduced at the state level. That number is rising and demonstrates a trend that could be dangerous for service members, their families, and the readiness of the force as a whole.”
Continuing, Burt added, “When I look at potential candidates — say for squadron command — I strive to match the right person to the right job. I consider their job performance and relevant experience first. However, I also look at their personal circumstances and their family is also an important factor.”
Burt then said, “If a good match for a job does not feel safe being themselves and performing at their highest potential at a given location, I am compelled to consider a different candidate and perhaps less qualified.”
Nearly all of the laws at issue either disallow transgender surgeries and hormone blockers for kids or prevent public lewdness for all people, so it’s not clear why the laws are such issues for military personnel.
Burt joined the Air Force and other branches in publicly taking a pro-Pride stance. The Air Force, for instance, said, “June is #PrideMonth! The Department of the Air Force proudly recognizes and celebrates generations of LGBTQI+ service members and their contributions to our #AirForce & #SpaceForce.”
June is #PrideMonth! The Department of the Air Force proudly recognizes and celebrates generations of LGBTQI+ service members and their contributions to our #AirForce & #SpaceForce. pic.twitter.com/lQi9lH5sdr
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) June 7, 2023
Predictably, conservative commentators tore into that tweet with a vengeance before comments were turned off. Turning Point USA’s Benny Johnson, for instance, said, “Why is the Service member SALUTING the alphabet cult flag? Its illegal for a uniformed service member to salute anything but the American flag. This cult is actively disgracing our military and replacing the American flag like we are a conquered people. This must stop.”
Similarly, Tim Young said, “I’m so old, I remember when our military only saluted the American Flag… not a flag celebrating all the things people have sex with.”
What makes the Air Force’s post and Burt’s comments all the more shocking is that the military is seriously struggling with recruiting right now. For one, about 77% of all Gen Z candidates can’t join up with the military because of mental instability, drug use, and physical limitations. And now this advertising is alienating the remainder of young people, which is to say patriotic young men.
The Scotch-Irish have traditionally been the bedrock of the tip of the American volunteer force’s spear and aren’t known for being in favor of lewd drag shows for toddlers or transing the kids, so the military’s recent statements are all the more shocking and counter-productive.
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video
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