In Video: ‘I still want to serve’: Transgender servicemembers face uncertain future under Trump admin
Supreme Court Upholds Tennessee Law Banning Transgender Transition Care for Minors
In a highly anticipated decision, the Supreme Court has ruled to uphold a Tennessee state law banning transgender transition care for minors. This comes amidst the Trump administration’s efforts to curb transgender rights. Just days after taking office, President Trump signed an executive order effectively banning transgender individuals from serving in the military. The Supreme Court has already allowed this policy to go into effect.
Transgender Service Members Face Uncertain Future
NBC News reporter Jay Valle has spoken with transgender service members as they navigate the challenging situation. The video shows transgender service members preparing to start over, as they face uncertainty about their careers, paychecks, healthcare, and living arrangements.
Captain Ryan Gunderson, a nearly eight-year veteran of the U.S. Army, is just one example. He voluntarily identified as transgender, and his gender-affirming care was paid for by the Army. However, with his scheduled doctor’s appointments canceled and only two weeks of medication left, Gunderman is now facing separation from the Army.
Early Retirement and Benefits
The deadline has passed for active transgender service members to identify themselves under orders from the Department of Defense. This move leads to their separation or early retirement. Of the 2.1 million members, the Defense Department says transgender people make up over 4,000. About 1,000 have stepped forward before the deadline. Those who did not now face a waiting game of being discovered via departmental medical records and put on leave.
Master Sergeant Nick Wright, Army National Guard
Master Sergeant Nick Wright, with the Army National Guard, is just a few months shy of 18 years of service. He says he won’t get the benefits he’s earned. "I’ve given up 18 years of my life for this. Um, you know, am I entitled to it? I mean, yeah, I should be, but it’s more than that. It’s bigger than that."
The Department of Defense’s Response
The Department of Defense did not respond to direct questions about soldiers’ benefits after service. However, they emphasized that this policy is not a ban, but rather a policy against those with gender dysphoria – the medical term for when someone feels their gender identity does not match their sex at birth. The department fully intends to treat every individual impacted by the policy with dignity and respect.
Administration’s Vow to "Get Transgender Ideology Out of Our Military"
In a Fox News appearance, President Trump vowed to "get transgender ideology out of our military." "We’re done with it," he said. However, transgender individuals are refusing to be silenced. "We will keep serving this country, whether it’s in uniform or out of it," said one service member.
The Waiver Process
When asked about the waiver process, NBC News reporter Jay Valle explained, "The waiver itself is on a case-by-case basis. There needs to be a compelling government interest in retaining that person. There needs to be 36 consecutive months of stability in the service member’s sex assigned at birth, and they would need to demonstrate that they have no prior transition attempts. And finally, they would need to adhere to sex-based standards in the military. In reality, anyone who is transgender will never meet these requirements."
The State of Play
With the July 7th deadline approaching for members in the Reserve, we can expect the number of trans service members in the military who are separated to grow.