TRANSGENDER SERVICE MEMBERS WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE MILITARY, ACCORDING TO PENTAGON
Joining the military is going to be more difficult for some as President Donald Trump continues to strip the transgender community of the opportunity to serve. While transgender military members make up only a small percentage of the overall population, a new policy from The Pentagon will effectively ban them from serving. Those with gender dysphoria will also be barred from enrolling in the future.
Are Transgenders Allowed in the Military?
Being transgender in the military is not allowed under a new policy issued by The Pentagon. Service members diagnosed with or treated for gender dysphoria can no longer be a part of the military.
There are exceptions, including those who are deemed to be specifically needed for a military role; however, even in these cases, there are strict behavioral rules to follow.
According to the new memo, this policy will ban openly serving as a trans warfighter, identifying those who are transgender within 30 days, and shortly after, begin the process of separating these individuals from the military.
Gender Dysphoria and Military Service
The Pentagon’s policy memo, part of a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s executive order on being transgender in military roles, is arguing that transitioning is incompatible with effective service.
It states that gender is “immutable” and limits transgender enlistment to those who can prove they support warfighting efforts.
Current service members with gender dysphoria must meet strict criteria, and transitioning is virtually out of the question.
Furthermore, service members will have to prove stability in their biological sex for 36 months if they’ve ever dealt with gender dysphoria.
Even with a waiver, the transgender military ban will force service members to be recognized only by their birth sex in bathrooms, sleeping quarters, and official interactions.
Advocates vs. Politics
LGBTQ advocates are strongly opposing Trump’s transgender military ban, calling it unfair and medically unsound.
Critics are pointing out that this is yet another example of the government’s attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
The Modern Military Association of America argued that transgender military troops have served with distinction and deserve equal treatment.
This isn’t the first time Trump has tried to eliminate trans warfighters, as he made things more difficult during his first term, but President Biden overturned those policies.
However, with more supporters in government this time around, Trump’s administration is making more headway.
Transgender Military Members Deserve Better
Figuring out the complexities of being trans and gender dysphoric feels fit for people far more qualified, but what’s more black and white is that those serving our nation deserve respect.
The diversity of our nation helps in many facets, including the military, and anyone willing to put themselves through rigorous training and the perils that come with the sacrifice of service is a hero for our nation.
Transgender military members don’t deserve better simply because of their conditions or decisions but because they’re part of the reason the United States remains an elite fighting force, free from tyranny.
Freedom and justice for all can’t just be a tagline. Everyone should have equal opportunity for service, including transgender military personnel.
Suggested reads:
SHARE:
TAGS:
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
Get the latest news and military discounts
