JAYU presents Human Rights Film Festival: TransMilitary

Based on outdated and discriminatory medical policies dating back to World War II, transgender people were banned from serving in the US military until July 2016. While an estimated 15,500 transgender people serve in the U.S. armed forces, transgender service members have had to conceal their identities due to the military gender-based restrictions. TransMilitary follows Senior Airman Logan Ireland, Corporal Laila Villanueva, Captain Jennifer Peace and First Lieutenant El Cook as they work together to repeal the ban on transgender troops. Putting their careers and families on the line, they fearlessly confront the top brass Pentagon officials, demanding justice and inclusive policies. While they succeeded to lift the ban in 2016, the Trump administration continuously attempts to block transgender people from serving. In the midst of Trump’s effort to erase transgender rights, TransMilitary is a powerful reminder of the resilience and perseverance of the US transgender troops and transgender community at large. - Anastasia Akulinina

Film subject Laila Ireland, director Gabe Silverman, executive producer Jamie Coughlin in attendance.