Reality television station MTV has extended an invitation to all of the active duty transgender troops in the United States military according to CNN. However, before the troops can attend, they must get approval by military authorities.
All active duty personnel face certain restrictions when participating in certain national public events. “At this time the Department of Defense is reviewing the parameters of the request,” Pentagon Spokesman Lt. Col. Paul Haverstick said.
“This is about who is considered a valid human being,” says first openly trans person to serve in U.S. Army
“MTV has invited transgender members of the U.S. armed forces to the 2017 Video Music Awards and we would be honored if they could attend,” MTV president Christopher McCarthy said. “Any patriot who is putting their own life at risk to fight for our freedom and stands for equality is a hero at MTV, and to young people everywhere.”
The network has taken steps this year to overhaul some of its categories to be gender neutral, replacing Best Male Video and Best Female Video with the new Artist of the Year award. MTV has also changed how it references its iconic trophy, which is now referred to as a “Moon Person” instead of a “Moonman.”
This year’s show is certain to draw a number of artists making political statements. In 2010, Lady Gaga mocked the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy by entering the stage with service members discharged due to homosexuality. Last year, former ‘NSync alum Lance Bass wore a jacket that read “Love Trumps Hate” in an effort to derail Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
With the number of transgender military members a hot-button issue for many, the acts of this year’s show are bound to reflect that.
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