A recent Pentagon memo filed in court on Wednesday revealed that transgender service members will be separated from the US military unless they receive an exemption, essentially banning them from joining or serving in the armed forces. This move, which is more stringent than previous restrictions placed by President Trump, was described as unprecedented by advocates.
The memo, dated 26 February, stated that transgender individuals do not meet the high standards required for service member readiness, lethality, and cohesion. It also mandated the creation of a procedure to identify transgender troops within 30 days, and their separation from the military within a month after that.
There is no requirement for transgender troops to self-identify, and the exact number of transgender service members is not known. Waivers will only be granted if there is a compelling government interest in retaining the service member to support warfighting capabilities, and they must demonstrate 36 consecutive months of stability in their sex without distress.
Transgender rights advocates estimate that there are as many as 15,000 transgender service members, although officials claim the number is much lower. The memo was filed in court as part of a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a January executive order signed by Trump.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that individuals with gender dysphoria already in the military will be treated with dignity and respect. The move to separate transgender service members from the military has sparked controversy and concern among advocates and LGBTQ rights groups.
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