In a time where LGBTQ+ rights are facing significant challenges, a recent poll reveals that the majority of Americans continue to support transgender people serving openly in the military. This broad support stands against the Trump Administration’s attempts to ban transgender individuals from serving a policy that was widely criticized for it’s lack of evidence and harmful implications.
A Gallup poll released in February 2025 showed that 58% of Americans are in favor of allowing transgender people to serve in the military. Although this marks a slight decline from the 71% support seen in 2019, it still represents a clear majority. The decline is largely attributed to political polarization, with support among Republicans dropping significantly. Only 23% of Republicans now favor transgender military service, compared to 43% in the past. However, the strong backing from Democrats remains, with 84% of them supporting transgender service members.
This shift in public opinion is part of a larger trend toward equality for transgender people in various aspects of life. Under President Obama, the Pentagon ended its ban on openly transgender service members in 2016, a landmark decision for LGBTQ+ rights. Yet, the Trump Administration’s 2017 ban reinstated restrictions, banning transgender individuals from serving openly or going the military at all. This policy caused significant harm, forcing many transgender people to hide their identities or leave the military altogether. In 2021, President Biden reversed the ban, allowing transgender individuals to serve openly once again and restoring the dignity and equality that had been stripped away.
Military leaders themselves have recognized the importance of diversity and inclusion in the armed forces. Transgender individuals, like all service members, bring essential skills, resilience, and dedication to their roles. Studies have shown that diversity in the military enhances unit cohesion and improves operational effectiveness. Excluding qualified individuals based on their gender identity only weakens the military’s capacity to recruit the best talent and build teams based on merit not discrimination.
Despite the challenges posed by shifting public opinion, the majority of Americans understand that transgender people should have the right to serve their country without facing discrimination or the threat of being pushed out.To continue advancing equality for transgender service members, it is important to support organizations that fight for LGBTQ+ rights, pushback against discriminatory policies and ensure that inclusion remains a part of military policy. By doing so, we can together ensure that everyone regardless of gender identity can serve their country with pride and dignity standing together for a nation that values and protects the rights of all it’s citizens.
