Transgender American troops are not legally allowed to serve their country openly. It's past time for that to change.
Alex, a 22-year-old transgender woman and Naval officer, told the New York Times, "If they let me serve as myself, I will give 30-plus years. I will sign up for the rest of my life. I love the military."
Sgt. Loeri Harrison had to tell her commander to start treatment: "That was a scary moment, basically going up to someone and saying, 'Here is my career. You can flush it if you want, but this is what I need to do to be sane.'" The commander was supportive - but a new doctor wasn't, and filled out forms to expel the eight-year veteran.
A Pentagon regulation banned transgender Americans from serving in the 1980s. Because the ban came from the Pentagon and not Congress, it was not repealed alongside "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." But while that means the bigotry is still on the books, it also means that the Defense Secretary can fix things on his own, without going through the Republican Congress. That's good news - for LGBT rights and for our national security.
Secretary Carter has indicated his support for lifting the ban, but doesn't want to do so until May. A working group is examining the "implications" of such a move. Until then, troops like Alex and Loeri will continue to face this bigotry.
Tell Secretary Carter: Transgender troops shouldn't live in fear of losing their jobs and benefits! Let these patriots serve their country openly now!
