When it comes to U.S. President Donald Trump's call for a ban on all transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military, Kayla Jessen prefers to focus on the positive.

Rather than bashing Trump's views, the President of the Airdrie Pride Society would rather talk about the Canadian military's response.  

"I'm really happy with Canada's response to Donald Trump's announcement.  Canada's military is extremely supportive of their transgendered members and I'm really happy with how they've responded, both on social media and in their news releases."

The Canadian Armed Forces took to the President's preferred method of communicating, Twitter, to promote the recruitment of transgender troops. The tweet read, "We welcome Cdns of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Join us!"

Trump's message was met with condemnation on social media, and Jessen says, rightfully so.  

"In the United States there are a lot of people who are very upset with the proclamation and we need to keep in mind that often times it's a very loud, uneducated few who sort of sour the batch of apples. Not everyone thinks that way and in fact I think the majority of people realize that transgendered folks are just regular people trying to go about their regular day."

Jessen is sure that the majority of Americans feel if someone is capable of serving in the military, they should be allowed to do that.  

"I think Americans in general have a great deal of respect for their military forces and I think a lot of people feel that if someone is fit to serve and they want to serve their country that they should be allowed to do so regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.  It should not matter."

 

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