Military Policy Changes Affecting Transgender Service Members

Recent military policies dictate that service members can only identify as male or female, disqualifying transgender individuals and preventing funding for gender transition procedures. This policy highlights a complex process for separating troops based on those diagnosed with gender dysphoria, where exceptions may apply if individuals demonstrate stability in their sex for 36 months. As the Department of Defense prepares to enforce these changes, the ramifications remain unclear, including the number of service members who will be impacted. Currently, over 4,000 active and reserve troops hold such diagnoses, but many transgender individuals may not have a medical diagnosis, complicating the estimate of those affected.