Not long ago, Donald Trump told the LGBTQ community he “had their back.”

Huh.

On the anniversary of President Harry Truman’s 1948 order desegregating the United States Armed Forces, Donald Trump made clear his disdain for people who have bravely stepped up to do what he never did – serve our country. Through a series of horrific tweets – utterances that spooked even the Pentagon – he banned transgender Americans from the military.

Discrimination in any form, in any organization, is wrong. Here in King County, we’ve proved that diversity and inclusion strengthen our community and our economy. Regardless of who you love, where you’re from, what your gender identity is, or your racial or ethnic background – you belong here.

I will not allow Trump’s bigotry, prejudice, and intolerance to harm King County’s veterans and their families. They have served us, and it is our duty and honor as Americans to serve them. As Executive, I’ve ordered our county veterans, human service, public health and other agencies to provide services to any LGBTQ veterans who are singled out for persecution by Donald Trump and his discriminatory policies.

If you’re with me and want to protect the rights of all King County residents, please sign on to my Executive Order as a citizen co-sponsor.

Together, we will send a message to Trump and his allies that King County rejects discrimination in any form and stands with those who serve our nation in the armed forces.

Thank you,

Dow