In a crucial episode of the Richie & John podcast, John McMullen sits down with James Apedaile, National Vice President of American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER). As Richie Roy takes a short leave, John delves into an insightful discussion with James about the pressing issues facing LGBTQ+ military service members. The episode covers the newly reinstated transgender ban, its detrimental effects on active duty members, and AVER's strategies for legal advocacy and community support. Apedaile emphasizes the importance of coalition building with organizations like Lambda Legal and the ACLU to safeguard the rights of LGBTQ+ service members and veterans amid changing political climates. Tune in to learn how AVER is tackling these challenges head-on, advocating for justice, and planning future actions like a potential World Pride march. Discover how we can support our LGBTQ+ military community through advocacy and resource access.

Takeaways:

• Transgender ban reinstated, impacting LGBTQ+ military service members.

• Discharged transgender members lose chances for full retirement benefits.

• Coalition efforts underway with organizations to fight discrimination.

• Legal advocacy vital, as judicial rulings could reverse discrimination.

• AVER ensures community support for discharged veterans.

• Outreach to Congress and protest planning are ongoing priorities.

• Potential for reinstatement of discharged members exists, pending court battles.

• Old challenges persist despite past LGBTQ+ military policy advancements.

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