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August 10, 2025 16 mins

Thousands of trans troops are being banned and facing removal from the U.S. military under a Trump administration ban. The Pentagon’s message: self-identify and leave voluntarily with extended benefits — or face involuntary separation.


Could this be just the beginning? Could gay service members be next?


In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, retired Army officer and author Darrell Berry shares his personal experiences with anti-gay attitudes in the military and his insights on the potential impact of these policies on the LGBTQ+ community.


Berry also discusses his gripping novel Early This Morning, a powerful blend of military life, espionage, and the fight for equality — including the creation of an all-gay Army unit sent on a near-suicidal mission. Is it fiction… or could something like this really happen?


WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast

00:53 – Meet Darrell Berry

01:55 – Life in the Military & Anti-Gay Attitudes

03:51 – The Plot of Early This Morning

07:15 – Comparing Stories with Author Steve Berry

09:14 – Trump’s Impact on LGBTQ+ Rights

11:07 – Darrell’s Writing Journey & Future Projects

12:55 – Publishing and Book Availability

14:51 – Final Thoughts


🎙️ Listen now and join the conversation about fairness, equality, and resilience in America’s armed forces.


📚 Early This Morning by Darrell Berry – [Insert Amazon link]


#TransgenderTroops #MilitaryEquality #LGBTQRights #DarrellBerry #LeanToTheLeftPodcast #TrumpMilitaryBan #GaySoldiers #MilitaryLife #LGBTQMilitary #EarlyThisMorning

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