I'm not a fan of music award shows, so I avoided tuning in to last night's VMA awards on MTV. In fact, I don't think I've surfed to MTV since some time in the 80s.

If you are like me, then you missed that MTV invited six current or retired transgender military members to walk the red carpet.

MTV continues to be a pioneer and fierce advocate for the LGBTQ community by giving one of the most visible platforms to voices that need to be heard. Throughout all the tweets, memos, and speculation, brave transgender Americans are still serving their country and defending the freedoms of this nation while meeting the same rigorous standards of their peers. We are proud to stand with them.

--Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD

Present were Laila and Logan Ireland, Brynn Tannehill, Jennifer Peace, Akira Wyatt, and Sterling James Crutcher, Tannehill and Laila Ireland are retired. The others are still serving.

Historically, the V.M.A.s have been a huge platform for social issues that are currently happening, so being able to have that platform and share our stories is important to us. We don't just represent our own stories, we represent all the stories that can't be told, voices that can't be heard, and I think it's very important to share that.

--Laila Ireland