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The Transgender Tweet

Published by girights

UPDATE: Sept. 18, 2017

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis issued interim guidance on military service by transgender individuals: 

The memorandum stated that: “First and foremost, we will continue to treat every service member with dignity and respect"

For transgender people serving in the military the following is currenetly in effect:

"no action may be taken to involuntarily separate or discharge an otherwise qualified service member solely on the basis of a gender dysphoria diagnosis or transgender status. Transgender service members are subject to the same standards as any other service member of the same gender: They may be separated or discharged under existing bases and processes, but not on the basis of a gender dysphoria diagnosis or transgender status."

It also stated that:

Service members who have completed their gender transition process, and whose gender marker has been changed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System will continue to serve in their preferred gender while the interim guidance is in effect.

An otherwise qualified transgender service member whose term of service expires while the interim guidance is in place may, at his or her request, be reenlisted in service under existing procedures."

and that:

Service members who receive a gender dysphoria diagnosis from a military medical provider will be given treatment for the diagnosed medical condition. As directed by the memorandum, no new sex reassignment surgical procedures for military personnel will be permitted after March 22, 2018, except as necessary to protect the health of an individual who has already begun a course of treatment to reassign his or her gender.

 

End of Update (below is our original post)

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Many people are aware that the president sent out a tweet on 26 JUL 17 indicating he will seek to implement a ban on transgender members serving in the military.  This has  led to confusion for people, especially those who are directly affected because they are currently serving  or considering military service. 

The tweet is not a policy or policy change and does not by itself amount to a ban.

While this is an indication that the current administration seems less welcoming to servicemembers who are transgender, it is still far too early to know what this will mean in terms of actual policy.  The Department of Defense has not announced any changes to the current DoD policy   which says that " transgender Service members may serve openly, and they can no longer be discharged or otherwise separated from the military solely for being transgender individuals".  Should this policy change, legal challenges are likely to follow with the final outcome to be determined by courts. 

We will try to keep people up to date with new information if and when changes occur.  People are welcome to call our counselors for help with issues related to the military 877 447 4487. 

The GI Rights Network does not support discrimination.