You’re In The Army Now.

Today is the first day that we are allowed to serve in the military, for those who are thinking about enlisting there are some tips that have been published by the National Center for Lesbian Rights and GLAD…

December 30, 2017
A Note for Those in Our Community Planning to Enlist in the Military
By Shannon Minter, Esq., NCLR Legal Director

On January 1, for the first time in history, transgender Americans will be able to openly enlist in our nation’s military. This is an incredible moment, and one we can all celebrate.

We know that many transgender Americans have been planning and preparing for over a year for this day.  And many others will now begin considering this as a real option for the very first time.

The military has put considerable time into preparing for this day, and has developed guidelines for those charged with processing new recruits. If you are planning to begin the enlistment process in January or in the coming months, we encourage you to connect with a knowledgeable recruiter, or with an organization like SPART*A or OUTSERVE-SLDN, to ensure you understand the guidelines and requirements.

It is in the interest of both the military and our community for the enlistment process to go smoothly, and we believe it will.  That said, it is possible there will be small hiccups as things get underway. If you do encounter anything confusing or concerning, we encourage you to remain calm, and know that it does not mean the problem will be ongoing.  Do reach out to one of our legal organizations and let us know of your concern:

GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)
Lambda Legal
ACLU

Military service is a serious and admirable undertaking. We are grateful for the many courageous transgender Americans who are currently serving and who will begin serving soon, with dignity and honor.
Thank you.

GLAD and NCLR

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NPR rebroadcasted an interview with a woman who was the first trans man (he hadn’t transitioned yet and was just starting to take ‘T’) to serve on a submarine,

Transgender individuals may now openly join the U.S. military
Jan 1, 2018

As of Monday, openly transgender people are allowed to serve in the U.S. military, despite President Donald Trump tweeting last July that he would “not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity.” We take a second look at a report on what the shift in military policy could mean for supporters and critics alike.

William Brangham:
Now to another policy shift taking effect today, but this one at the federal level.

Starting today, transgender individuals may openly join the U.S. military, this despite stiff opposition from President Trump, who tweeted last July that he wouldn’t accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity.

Since then, several federal courts have rejected that position. And the Justice Department said Friday it will allow transgender individuals to serve, pending the results of a Pentagon study that is currently under way.

Back in May of 2016, during the Obama administration and before any of these other developments, we reported on what this shift in military policy could mean for supporters and critics alike.

Tonight, we take a reprise look at that story.

In 2014, Lieutenant Blake Dremann was going to be one of the first women to serve on a U.S. Navy submarine.
[…]
William Brangham:
 In 2016, Blake was stationed at the Pentagon. He says most of the other officers treated him like any another colleague.

Lieutenant Blake Dremann:
The senior officers have been very receptive about it. I mean, I have talked to all kinds of them for sometimes an hour or an hour-and-a-half at a time just kind of answering questions. And if you ask, I’m very open.

They also interviewed another trans servicemember and a retired officer who is against LGBT in the military.