PFLAG LA Responds to NDAA Provisions Affecting Transgender Military Cadets
LOS ANGELES, CA (January 2, 2026) — PFLAG Los Angeles — the L.A. chapter of the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for and with LGBTQ+ people and those who love them — is deeply concerned by provisions included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) recently passed by Congress and sent to the President that restrict participation by transgender people in military academy sports and other aspects of military life.
“Transgender people serve their country with courage, integrity, and dedication,” said Farrah Dodes (she, her), PFLAG Los Angeles President. “Provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act that exclude transgender cadets from full participation in military life undermine the values of respect, dignity, and teamwork that our armed forces are meant to uphold.”
The legislation includes language that would prohibit transgender women from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity at U.S. military academies, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. These provisions single out transgender cadets and raise serious concerns about fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity for those who have committed to serving their country.
Military readiness is built on ability, discipline, and commitment, not gender identity. Restrictions based on gender identity do not strengthen readiness or cohesion. They create stigma and uncertainty for cadets and service members who are already meeting the demands placed upon them.
PFLAG Los Angeles is also concerned that these provisions send a damaging message to transgender youth and families, suggesting that transgender people are unfit for leadership, service, or participation in institutions dedicated to excellence and sacrifice.
“Transgender cadets deserve the same respect and opportunity as anyone else who steps forward to serve,” Dodes added. “Policies that exclude them harm individuals, families, and the broader communities they represent.”
PFLAG Los Angeles will continue its mission to support LGBTQ+ people, their families, and allies through education, advocacy, and community, and to elevate policies grounded in fairness, inclusion, and respect for human dignity.
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About PFLAG
PFLAG is an organization of LGBTQ+ people, parents, families, and allies who work together to create an equitable and inclusive world. We are hundreds of thousands of people and hundreds of chapters from coast to coast who are leading with love to support families, educate allies, and advocate for just, equitable, and inclusive legislation and policies. Since our founding in 1973, PFLAG works every day to ensure LGBTQ+ people everywhere are safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved. Learn more, find support, donate, and take action at pflag.org.
In Los Angeles, LGBTQ+ people and those who love them are served by PFLAG Los Angeles. Connect with PFLAG Los Angeles on the web at pflagla.org.
For media support, contact us at communications@pflagla.org.
