The Biden administration has reversed the ban on transgender individuals serving in the US military, a policy implemented by former President Donald Trump in 2017. The decision comes at a time when all branches of the military are experiencing historically low recruitment numbers.
According to a memo published by The Dossier on Tuesday, transgender service members will now have special privileges and exemptions from certain requirements. These include exemptions from grooming and uniform standards to allow for the “real-life experience” necessary for medical transition. The memo, which is not classified but was not previously available to the public, is an updated guidance as of February.
In addition, transgender individuals may also obtain a waiver from physical fitness standards if they experience negative side effects from hormone treatment. These waivers can be renewed every six months. Furthermore, during their transition period while taking cross-sex hormones, transitioning service members can be classified as “non-deployable” for a minimum of 300 days or until they are considered “stabilized” on the hormone cocktail.
The memo also reveals that the military will cover the costs of every medical procedure involved in gender transition, including psychological counseling and “voice feminization surgery.” The full transition process is expected to take between 9 to 18 months. While Defense Department facilities are not equipped to perform complex procedures like vaginoplasty or phalloplasty, the memo instructs medical providers to refer transgender individuals to the military’s network of civilian practitioners. The only procedure not covered by taxpayers is laser hair removal.
Although recruits may identify as non-binary or gender-fluid, they are still required to select a gender marker of male or female. This is not meant to misgender or disrespect their gender identity, but rather because the current medical and Army system views gender as a dichotomous variable, according to the memo.
Trump’s ban on transgender individuals serving in the military was reversed by President Biden shortly after taking office in 2021. Prior to this, gender dysphoria was considered grounds for involuntary discharge from the service until 2016, despite the repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in 2011, which allowed gay and lesbian troops to serve openly.
The decision to reverse the ban on transgender individuals serving in the military comes at a time when all branches of the US military are facing recruitment shortfalls. Some Republican lawmakers have blamed the problem on the Pentagon’s prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion over military readiness.
In conclusion, the Biden administration has reversed the ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, providing special privileges and exemptions to transgender service members. The move comes amid historically low recruitment in the US military, and the decision has sparked debates about the military’s focus on diversity and inclusion.
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