Can Trans People Join the Military?
The decision to serve in the military is a significant one, and it is natural to wonder whether the military is inclusive of all individuals, regardless of gender identity. This article will explore the policies and guidelines surrounding the enrollment of trans people in the military, as well as the challenges and benefits associated with military service.
Contents
- 1 Historical Background
- 2 New Policy under the Trump Administration
- 3 Judge Orders Reversal of Trump’s Trans Ban Check out the 50 Cheapest Guns NowIn November 2020, the US District Court for the District of Columbia issued an injunction against the Trump administration’s ban, effectively preventing its implementation. This court decision forced the military to begin enrolling trans people again, with the possibility of change to their sex marker. **Important Clarification:** As of the current military policy, all qualified transgender individuals are **eligible** to serve openly in the military, just like all other qualified citizens. Preparation for Military Service as a Trans Person To serve in the military as a trans individual, the following steps can be taken: * **Obtain a Doctor’s Approval**: Obtain a certification from a licensed medical doctor that states you are prepared to deploy and are no longer receiving hormone therapy. This requirement is currently the subject of ongoing legal challenge. * **Complete Standard Medical Pre-Service Procedures**: Go through the same medical and physical fitness examinations as any other military enlistee. * **Serve Openly**: Be ready to openly serve in the military and undergo training. Challenges and Concerns
Historical Background
For decades, the military’s policies and regulations regarding sexual orientation and gender identity have been shaped by societal norms and stigma. Prior to 2016, homosexuality was criminalized in the military, and trans people were banned from serving.
Bold: In 2015, the American Medical Association (AMA) officially dropped its opposition to allowing trans people to serve in the military, a significant turning point in the conversation surrounding military inclusivity.
In 2016, then-President Barack Obama issued an executive order repealing the ban on openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members, making it the first major revision to military policy on the topic.
New Policy under the Trump Administration
Important Update: In July 2017, then-President Donald Trump tweeted that the United States would ban trans individuals from serving "in any capacity" in the military, citing unspecified medical and readiness concerns. This tweet was followed by a memorandum issued by Defense Secretary James Mattis, directing the services to halt recruitment of transgender individuals.
Under the Trump administration’s guidance, transgender individuals were subject to certain restrictions, including:
- No Enlistment: Trans individuals were barred from enlisting in the military.
- Exceptions: Some service members already serving in their preferred gender were allowed to continue serving, but these individuals would not be approved for deployment or other missions.
- No Change: No changes were made to service members’ Gender Affirmation Surgeries (GAS) in order to ensure their access to transition-related healthcare, including hormones and gender confirmation surgeries.
Judge Orders Reversal of Trump’s Trans Ban
In November 2020, the US District Court for the District of Columbia issued an injunction against the Trump administration’s ban, effectively preventing its implementation. This court decision forced the military to begin enrolling trans people again, with the possibility of change to their sex marker.
**Important Clarification:** As of the current military policy, all qualified transgender individuals are **eligible** to serve openly in the military, just like all other qualified citizens.
Preparation for Military Service as a Trans PersonTo serve in the military as a trans individual, the following steps can be taken:
* **Obtain a Doctor’s Approval**: Obtain a certification from a licensed medical doctor that states you are prepared to deploy and are no longer receiving hormone therapy. This requirement is currently the subject of ongoing legal challenge.
* **Complete Standard Medical Pre-Service Procedures**: Go through the same medical and physical fitness examinations as any other military enlistee.
* **Serve Openly**: Be ready to openly serve in the military and undergo training.
Challenges and Concerns
While the reversal of the trans ban marks a significant step forward for inclusivity, there remain challenges and concerns surrounding military service as a trans person. These include:
• **Bullying and Harassment**: There is always a risk of bullying and harassment, but the military has policies and procedures in place to protect service members from discrimination based on their gender identity or expression.
• **Inadequate Healthcare**: Healthcare for trans individuals may still be lacking, particularly regarding access to transition-related services and hormones.
• **Unwritten Policies**: Without clear and written policies governing the employment of trans people in the military, challenges and controversies may arise, as demonstrated by the past controversy.
Celebrating Inclusion and Service
In a significant shift away from historical exclusions and discriminatory practices, the modern military now recognizes the worth and potential of trans people to serve. This inclusion sends a powerful message, both to the LGBTQ+ community and to the country at large, that we value the contributions of every citizen.
**Important Points to Consider:**
| Point | Description |
| — | — |
| **Qualification**: In order to serve, one must be a US citizen, pass a background check, meet physical fitness requirements, and obtain a Doctor’s approval. |
| **Serving Openly**: It is crucial that trans individuals are prepared to serve openly and openly, as discrimination based on gender identity is prohibited. |
| **Support Systems**: A network of support and resources will be crucial in ensuring the success and well-being of trans service members. |
| **Clear Policies**: Written policies guiding the employment of trans individuals will provide clarity and promote inclusivity. |
The question “Can trans people join the military?” now has a clear answer. With ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusivity and support within the military, the journey to serve continues to be a significant undertaking, yet one that brings honor and pride to individuals and communities alike.
It is vital to acknowledge and respect the complexities and concerns surrounding the employment of trans individuals in the military while recognizing the progress made toward greater inclusivity. Ultimately, this shift reflects our commitment to the principles of equality and fairness, enabling trans people to contribute to the security and well-being of the nation alongside all other service members.
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To serve in the military as a trans individual, the following steps can be taken:
* **Obtain a Doctor’s Approval**: Obtain a certification from a licensed medical doctor that states you are prepared to deploy and are no longer receiving hormone therapy. This requirement is currently the subject of ongoing legal challenge.
* **Complete Standard Medical Pre-Service Procedures**: Go through the same medical and physical fitness examinations as any other military enlistee.
* **Serve Openly**: Be ready to openly serve in the military and undergo training.
Challenges and Concerns
While the reversal of the trans ban marks a significant step forward for inclusivity, there remain challenges and concerns surrounding military service as a trans person. These include:
• **Bullying and Harassment**: There is always a risk of bullying and harassment, but the military has policies and procedures in place to protect service members from discrimination based on their gender identity or expression.
• **Inadequate Healthcare**: Healthcare for trans individuals may still be lacking, particularly regarding access to transition-related services and hormones.
• **Unwritten Policies**: Without clear and written policies governing the employment of trans people in the military, challenges and controversies may arise, as demonstrated by the past controversy.
Celebrating Inclusion and Service
In a significant shift away from historical exclusions and discriminatory practices, the modern military now recognizes the worth and potential of trans people to serve. This inclusion sends a powerful message, both to the LGBTQ+ community and to the country at large, that we value the contributions of every citizen.
**Important Points to Consider:**
| Point | Description |
| — | — |
| **Qualification**: In order to serve, one must be a US citizen, pass a background check, meet physical fitness requirements, and obtain a Doctor’s approval. |
| **Serving Openly**: It is crucial that trans individuals are prepared to serve openly and openly, as discrimination based on gender identity is prohibited. |
| **Support Systems**: A network of support and resources will be crucial in ensuring the success and well-being of trans service members. |
| **Clear Policies**: Written policies guiding the employment of trans individuals will provide clarity and promote inclusivity. |
The question “Can trans people join the military?” now has a clear answer. With ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusivity and support within the military, the journey to serve continues to be a significant undertaking, yet one that brings honor and pride to individuals and communities alike.
It is vital to acknowledge and respect the complexities and concerns surrounding the employment of trans individuals in the military while recognizing the progress made toward greater inclusivity. Ultimately, this shift reflects our commitment to the principles of equality and fairness, enabling trans people to contribute to the security and well-being of the nation alongside all other service members.
