Miami Beach Urges the Federal Circuit to Support Transgender Veterans Access to Medical Care
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
OFFICE OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS, Tel: 305.673.7575 PRESS RELEASE
Tonya Daniels, E-mail: tonyadaniels@miamibeachfl.gov
Melissa Berthier, E-mail: melissaberthier@miamibeachfl.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 5, 2017
Miami Beach Urges the Federal Circuit to Support Transgender Veterans’
Access to Medical Care
— United Alongside 23 Other Diverse Cities and Businesses —
Miami Beach, FL – As a leader in fighting for and recognizing LGBTQ rights, the City of Miami
Beach has signed onto an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
that will provide transgender-inclusive health benefits to veterans. The brief, drafted by the
County of Santa Clara in California, challenges the U.S. Department of Veteran Affair’s recent
policy excluding surgery for gender alterations from the suite of medical benefits offered to
veterans.
“It’s heartbreaking to see men and women who have fought bravely for our country’s freedom
being denied their right to necessary medical care because they are transgender,” expressed
Commissioner Micky Steinberg. “We’re proud to stand alongside these veterans in urging the
court to reverse the discriminatory regulation that holds no legitimate basis, and serves only to
continue to stigmatize their community.”
Lifesaving care for veterans is vital to a diverse city like Miami Beach and largely nationwide.
The brief not only aims to support equality in every realm, but cites specific research proving
transgender-inclusive medical benefits, including gender-confirmation surgery, imposes
negligible, if any, costs.
Other cities and businesses that joined in the human rights movement include American
Airlines, the City of Austin, Texas; City of Detroit, Michigan; MassMutual; City of New York, New
York; City of West Hollywood, California; City of Stamford, Connecticut; Viacom and more.
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