The U.S. Army made an announcement signaling a change in policy, stating that transgender individuals will no longer be allowed to join the military, and the provision of gender transition procedures for service members will be ceased.
The big picture: The Army’s statement noted that all new enlistments for individuals with a history of gender dysphoria are paused, and any ongoing or scheduled medical procedures associated with affirming or facilitating a gender transition for service members are also paused.
- Despite these changes, the Army emphasized that individuals with gender dysphoria who have volunteered to serve the U.S. will be treated with dignity and respect.
Driving the news: The shift in policy is attributed to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump titled “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness,” which highlighted the conflict between an individual’s gender identity and their commitment to military service, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards for troop readiness and cohesion.
- This executive order specifically sought to prevent the usage of “invented and identification-based pronouns” within the department, presenting a discrepancy between the policy and the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals with gender dysphoria.
