US military accepts transgender recruits for first time

Transgender people in the US have the opportunity to register to serve in the military, starting in 2018.

Transgender soldiers in the US Army. Photo: RAND.

"Under court order, the US Department of Defense will begin reviewing transgender military applications starting January 1, 2018. All applicants must meet entry requirements," Sputnik quoted the Pentagon's announcement on December 31.

This is the first time the US military has accepted transgender recruits in history. Previously, soldiers were only allowed to undergo gender reassignment surgery after they had joined the military, while transgender people were not allowed to join the military.

In late October 2017, US federal judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly decided to block US President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender people serving in the military. This was considered a victory for transgender soldiers who had accused Mr. Trump of violating their constitutional rights.

President Trump previously declared that he would "not accept or allow transgender people to serve in the military in any capacity," reversing the policy of his predecessor, Barack Obama. He then signed a memorandum requiring the US military to not accept transgender recruits and to end funding for gender reassignment surgeries for active-duty soldiers.

Activists have welcomed the US Department of Defense's decision. "I hope the government sees no reason to enforce this ban. It's not good for the military or America," said attorney Jennifer Levi, representing the equality activist group GLAD.

According to VNE