Sia and Rita Ora pledge support for transgender community in new video

Written by . Published: July 29 2017

Sia, Rita Ora, and The Chainsmokers have teamed up to send a message of support to the transgender community following President Donald Trump's new military ban.


The leader announced his decision on Wednesday (27Jul17) and was subsequently slammed by celebrities like Lady Gaga, Laverne Cox, Mia Farrow, and Caitlyn Jenner, and now several musicians have joined other stars to take part in a new video campaign.

"Transgender rights are human rights," the celebrities say in the video. "This is a fact. By banning transgender people from openly serving in any capacity within the United States armed forces, President Donald Trump undercut the brave efforts of an estimated 15,000 patriotic transgender Americans who are currently serving our country.

"Transgender people have served honourably for decades and the current policy works fine."

The campaigners have also attacked Trump's claims that the "medical costs and disruption" linked to transgender servicemen and women are "tremendous", stating, "The cost of care to transgender troops is negligible, but their duty and service is priceless."

"Transgender people fill critical military roles and removing them from their units will disrupt core military missions," the stars continue in the video. "To our friends in the transgender community, we support you, we love you, we stand by you."

The video was created in partnership with bosses at Billboard & the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination (GLAAD).

Its release comes after Lady Gaga took to Twitter to share a series of passionate posts condemning Trump for his decision accusing him of endangering the lives of "people all over the United States and overseas bravely serving our nation".

The Poker Face star shared alarming statistics regarding the suicide rate among those who identify as transgender, she tweeted, "Within the Trans Community are many also who are strong & brave. They should be able to serve if they wish. To have honor if they do.”