WASHINGTON D.C. – The Modern Military Association of American, the nation’s oldest and largest LGBTQ military and veteran non-profit, applauds the Department of Defense’s latest policy guidance for transgender service members.
According to a memorandum from the Secretary of Defense, the updated policy reinforces the previous decision from 2016 allowing for the recruitment, retention and care of all qualified transgender individuals.
“On this International Transgender Day of Visibility, we recognize the great strides our Nation has made raising awareness of the challenges faced by the transgender community,” said SecDef Lloyd Austin in his memo. “Their shared stories of struggle and heartache reminds us that more work needs to be done to ensure that every person is treated with dignity and respect no matter how they identify.”
The DoD is giving departments and service components a short implementation period of 30 days to update their policies.
“Following the historic second repeal of the transgender service ban, this updated policy provides necessary guidance to support the open service of our transgender military members and the accessioning of new recruits,” said Jennifer Dane, MMAA Executive Director. “We are beyond proud of the brave and resilient transgender service members who have fought hard to keep their rightful places amongst the ranks and thrilled to have a policy in place that will enable other qualified and capable recruits to join them in serving our Nation.”
More specifically, the guidance includes expanded information on transition while on duty, updated roles and responsibilities for DoD personnel, and other administrative and functional updates.
“The United States military is the greatest fighting force on the planet because we are composed of an all-volunteer team willing to step up and defend the rights and freedoms of all Americans,” said Austin. “And we will remain the best and most capable team because we avail ourselves of the best possible talent that America has to offer, regardless of gender identity.”
