Imagine getting a promotion only to find out shortly after you may just lose your job entirely. That’s what happened to the subjects of “TransMilitary,” a documentary following four trans military service members. “Everyone was doing great. Then this [Trump] tweet happened, and now all their lives are back in jeopardy once again,” Fiona Dawson, co-director of the film, told Cheddar. Last July President Donald Trump shocked the world when he [tweeted](https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/890193981585444864)[ that](https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/890196164313833472)[ trans](https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/890197095151546369) people would be banned from serving in the military, citing concerns over associated medical costs. But a federal judge ended up blocking the administration’s proposal in November, putting back in place an Obama-era policy that allowed transgender service members to serve and enlist openly. There are currently more than 15,000 trans individuals serving in the military, according to the National Center for Transgender Equality. Dawson said that these numbers make the U.S. military the largest transgender employer. “So that tweet [was] good and bad,” she said. It “gave us the chance to have this conversation.” TransMilitary debuted over the weekend at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Tex. For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/exploring-the-lives-of-trans-service-members-in-transmilitary).

Share:
More In Politics
Why Tech Firms Like Yahoo, Fortnite Continue to Exit China
More American tech companies continue to pull their businesses out of China as the Communist Party cracks down on firms — both foreign and domestic. Yahoo and Fortnite have become the latest companies to withdraw from the country, and the withdrawals come just days after Microsoft announced it would take LinkedIn offline. Shehzad Qazi, managing director at China Beige Book International, joined Cheddar to provide some insight into how the crackdowns in China would also impact the tech companies at home in the United States.
'The Good Liars' Release New Mockumentary 'The Supporters'
'The Good Liars' are Jason Selvig and Davram Stiefler, a comedy duo that's been shaking up the political world for years. They're out with a new mockumentary, 'The Supporters,' following the 2020 election. Jason Selvig & Davram Stiefler, Stunt Comedians and creators of 'The Good Liars' joined Cheddar News to discuss.
Breaking Down Election Night
Julia Manchester, Reporter for The Hill, joined Cheddar to discuss the repercussions of republican victories on election night.
Former Georgia Police Chief on Portland Mayor's Policing Budget Plan
Clarence Cox III, a former police chief from Georgia, joined Cheddar to discuss Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler's plans to greatly increase the city's police budget. "I think his investments, as I read and understand, are in the right areas," Cox said. "Body-worn cameras are something that I'm a very big proponent of, and I think the mayor's going in the right direction with some of the initiatives."
Polar Bears International Calls on World Leaders to Take Real Steps on Climate Crisis
Alysa McCall, director of conservation outreach and staff scientist at Polar Bears International, joined Cheddar to discuss the ongoing fight to protect polar bears from extinction while world leaders gathered to discuss the climate crisis. McCall explained her organization's mission "to ensure the long term survival of polar bears by helping ensure their arctic sea ice habitat remains intact." McCall said she hopes actionable steps are taken after the UN climate summit to mitigate the crisis and not just more promises.
Load More