Ban on Transgender Military Service Will End July 1 June 24, 2016

Ban on Transgender Military Service Will End July 1

In a huge moment for transgender visibility in the United States, the national ban on transgender people serving openly in the military is expected to be lifted on July 1.

shutterstock_344185106

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter is expected to make the announcement next month after first proposing the change last year. His announcement is expected include guidelines for the assorted branches of the armed forces on how to make the change.

The plan would direct each branch of the armed services over a one-year period to implement new policies affecting recruiting, housing and uniforms for transgender troops, one official said.

Carter announced last year that the ban, which affects a fraction of the military’s 1.3 million active duty members, would be lifted unless a review showed that doing so would have “adverse impact on military effectiveness and readiness.”

Until now, transgender people have been banned from serving in the armed forces for “medical reasons.” But an estimated 15,500 transgender people are in the military anyway, according to the American Military Partner Association, and there is no medical reason why they shouldn’t be allowed to serve.

“Our transgender service members and their families are breathing a huge sigh of relief,” said Ashley Broadway-Mack, the president of American Military Partner Association.

Last July, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced that officials would update “outdated” regulations and ordered a six-month review of the policy.

“Soon, anyone who is qualified will finally be able to serve our great nation, regardless of their gender identity,” Broadway-Mack continued. “We are eagerly anticipating the details of this historic announcement, and we are incredibly grateful for the leadership Secretary Carter has shown in getting us to this critically important point for our military families.”

The policy change will ensure that transgender people will be allowed to serve openly, first and foremost, but also that their identities will be affirmed and they’ll have access to appropriate medical care and facilities while in the military.

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the policy that banned all LGBT people from openly serving in the military, was only repealed in 2010, and even then, it did not apply to transgender people. The Department of Defense’s announcement today is another example of how quickly the transgender rights movement has picked up in recent years — though there’s still a long way to go.

(Image via Shutterstock)

"The way republican politics are going these days, that means the winner is worse than ..."

It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."
"It would have been more convincing if he used then rather than than."

It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."

Browse Our Archives

What Are Your Thoughts?leave a comment
error: Content is protected !!