On the ninth anniversary of repealing “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” presidential nominee Joe Biden has promised to support trans people serving in the military. For decades, trans people were banned from serving their country. However, in 2016, the ban was lifted, acknowledging that it is in the military’s best interest to recruit and retain the best troops regardless of their gender identity.
As of 2019, under President Trump’s direct order, the U.S. military stopped accepting recruits who experience gender dysphoria, are taking hormones, or are seeking to transition. While the small group of transgender troops who came out after the ban was lifted in 2016 would not be immediately discharged, they are left to serve a military that no longer accepts them.
Although there’s no precise figure for the total number of trans troops currently serving, there are estimates ranging from 2,150 to 15,000 active-duty, transgender military members.
“The President’s revival of this bigoted, disgusting ban on transgender service members is a stunning attack on the patriots who keep us safe and on the most fundamental ideals of our nation,” said House Speaker Nacy Pelosi at the time. “The President’s years-long insistence on his cowardly ban makes clear that prejudice, not patriotism, guides his decisions.”
In a statement addressed to LGBTQ Nation, Democratic candidate Joe Biden promised to reverse Trump’s ban if elected into the White House come November.
“Generations of Americans, many of them LGBTQ+, have shed blood around the world in defense of our freedoms and to protect U.S. vital interests. But, instead of honoring them, President Trump denigrates their sacrifice, calling our fallen services members ‘losers’ and ‘suckers.'”
As president, I will direct the Department of Defense to allow transgender service members to serve openly, receive needed medical treatment, and be free from discrimination. If I have the privilege of serving as the next commander in chief, I will ensure that our American heroes know I will have their back and honor their sacrifice—always, no matter who they are or who they love.”
