MTV is trying to recruit transgender military personnel to attend its upcoming Video Music Awards.
News broke in July that MTV’s iconic “Moon Man” would henceforth be referred to as a “Moon Person” as a sign of respect for the transgender community. The network plans to expand on that theme with transgender service members on Aug. 27 in Inglewood, California — if Pentagon officials approve.
The request comes as President Trump’s administration readies official documents on its stated transgender military ban.
“MTV has requested service member participation for this year’s VMAs,” Pentagon Spokesman Lt. Col. Paul Haverstick told CNN Wednesday evening. “At this time the Department of Defense is reviewing the parameters of the request.”
Mr. Trump announced in late July that it planned to prohibit transgender personnel from military service due to medical costs and other issues related to mission readiness.
MTV’s plan faces major hurdles, as the Pentagon has stringent rules for troops covering political speech.
SEE ALSO: MTV changes iconic ‘Moonman’ to ‘Moon Person’ award: ‘It could be transgender’
This year’s MTV Music Awards will be hosted by singer Katy Perry. The event will air Sunday at 5:00 p.m. PDT.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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