Gov DeSantis signed the Florida law banning transgender girls from interscholastic sports sending a clear message of hate on the First Day of the LGBTQIA International Pride Month.

Although it wasn’t mentioned, DeSantis also sent a message to ROTC programs that transgender students can’t participate in Officer Cadet programs which is a violation of both DOD policy and BOSTOCK v. CLAYTON COUNTY 

ROTC programs are vital to the US military Officer Core as a way to earn a commission in the military, and to individuals as a means of obtaining scholarships and future employment. The other officer programs, such as West point admits transgender candidates now that President Biden has reversed Trump’s military trans ban.

In 2019 a Trans student lost his ROTC scholarship due to Trump’s military policy

Florida’s law prohibits transgender students from participating in the University of Central Florida’s ROTC program. The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board is the Department of Defense Agency responsible for the determination of medical qualification of applicants for appointment to a United States Service Academy, not Governor DeSantis.

The Department of the Defense statement celebrating Pride.

“Today kicks off Pride Month, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is proud to celebrate and honor the service commitment and sacrifice of our LGBTQ personnel in and out of uniform”, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby told reporters in a briefing on Tuesday.

“He’s proud that one of his first actions after being sworn in was to implement President [Joe] Biden’s directive to ensure that all transgender individuals who wish to serve and who can meet the appropriate standards to be able to do so openly and free from discrimination,” the press secretary said.

At Austin’s direction, the Defense Department also has taken concerted action to promote and protect the human rights of LGBTQ persons around the globe, he said, adding the secretary remains committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive force. During June, DOD will celebrate “the rich contributions of LGBTQ personnel,” Kirby added.

Gov. DeSantis is one of seven governors, HRC Reports, including Gov. Greg Gianforte in Montana, Gov. Kay Ivey in Alabama, Gov. Jim Justice in West Virginia, Gov. Tate Reeves in Mississippi, Gov. Bill Lee in Tennessee, and Gov. Asa Hutchinson in Arkansas — who have signed anti-transgender legislation this session. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem issued a “style and form” veto to similar legislation in her state before issuing two executive orders to similar effect.

The NCAA Board of Governors released a public letter making clear that it “firmly and unequivocally supports the opportunity for transgender student-athletes to compete in college sports.” Moreover, “When determining where championships are held, NCAA policy directs that only locations where hosts can commit to providing an environment that is safe, healthy and free of discrimination should be selected.” This puts the 30 states with discriminatory anti-transgender.

More than 100 major U.S. corporations have stood up and spoke out to oppose anti-transgender legislation being proposed in states across the country. New companies like Facebook, Pfizer, Altria, Peloton, and Dell join companies like Amazon, American Airlines, Apple, AT&T, AirBnB, Google, Hilton, IBM, IKEA, Microsoft, Nike, Paypal, Uber, and Verizon in objecting to these bills.