US military lifts ban on transgender people

The US military has just lifted the ban on transgender members serving openly in the country's armed forces.

There are about 2,500 transgender people serving in the 1.3 million-strong US armed forces. Photo: PA

The policy, which will be rolled out within the next year, will allow members to transition while serving in the military and set standards for their health care.

The policy also ensures that no citizen is dismissed or refused re-enlistment due to gender issues.

"This is the right thing to do for our people and our forces," the BBC quoted Defense Secretary Ash Carter as saying. "Our mission is to defend this country and we don't want barriers unrelated to an individual's ability to prevent us from recruiting or retaining soldiers, sailors, airmen or sailors who can do that job well."

Jamie Ewing, who was kicked out of the US military for being transgender, said she was happy to hear the news.

"I am very excited. I look forward to re-enlisting and hope to wear uniform again in the near future as a soldier in the United States Army," she said.

There are about 2,500 transgender people serving in the 1.3 million-strong US armed forces. Transgender individuals can currently enlist for a year, as long as they have been “stable” in their gender for 18 months.

Mr. Carter said he has been consulting with transgender members of the military for years to find the best solution to meet their needs. He has also studied policies in countries like Britain, Israel and Australia, which have allowed transgender soldiers to serve openly.

"I believe we have reason to be proud today of what this means for our military," he said. "It's the right thing to do. Our troops and the country they protect will be stronger."

According to VNE