When the news broke about the potential reinstatement of the transgender military ban in a forthcoming Trump administration, a collective groan echoed through the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. It’s a move that feels less like policy and more like an assault on the very principles of equality and inclusion. Let’s break down why this regressive bullsh*t deserves to be called out and fought against.
Backstory: The Ban That Should Have Stayed Dead
In 2017, Donald Trump announced via Twitter—because apparently, that’s where major policy decisions happen—that transgender individuals would no longer be allowed to serve in the U.S. military. The reasoning? Alleged “tremendous medical costs and disruption,” claims that were as unsubstantiated as they were offensive. This decision flew in the face of a 2016 Department of Defense (DoD) policy that allowed transgender individuals to serve openly, a policy backed by extensive research affirming that inclusivity in the military strengthens, rather than weakens, its effectiveness.
In 2021, President Biden swiftly repealed the ban, restoring the rights of transgender service members. But now, with Trump’s return looming on the horizon, the LGBTQIA+ community once again finds itself staring down the barrel of discrimination dressed up as policy.
The "Disruption" Myth: What’s the Real Story?
Trump’s 2017 announcement leaned heavily on the argument that transgender service members would disrupt military readiness. However, studies—you know, those things based on facts and evidence—tell a very different story. A 2016 RAND Corporation report commissioned by the DoD found that allowing transgender individuals to serve openly would have minimal impact on military readiness and healthcare costs. In fact:
The estimated annual healthcare costs related to transgender service members accounted for less than 0.13% of the military’s total healthcare budget.
Open service by transgender individuals had no significant impact on unit cohesion or operational effectiveness.
Translation? The “disruption” argument is a flaming pile of crap.
The Cost of Discrimination
Reinstating the ban wouldn’t just be morally bankrupt—it would be a logistical nightmare and a waste of taxpayer dollars. Here’s why:
Loss of Skilled Personnel: Thousands of transgender individuals currently serve in the military, many in highly specialized roles. Kicking them out would mean losing invaluable expertise and training investments.
Recruitment Challenges: At a time when the military already struggles to meet recruitment goals, excluding qualified individuals based on their gender identity is not just discriminatory—it’s idiotic.
Administrative Chaos: Implementing a ban involves a labyrinth of bureaucracy. Who defines “transgender” in this context? How will the military enforce such a policy? It’s a logistical mess waiting to happen.
Meanwhile, the emotional toll on transgender service members is immeasurable. These are people who have dedicated their lives to serving their country, only to be told they’re unworthy because of who they are. It’s a slap in the face to the very values the military claims to uphold.
What’s Really at Stake?
At its core, the reinstatement of the transgender military ban isn’t about readiness or costs—it’s about erasure. It’s a clear message to transgender Americans: You don’t belong. And that message ripples far beyond the military.
Erosion of Civil Rights: Policies like this set a dangerous precedent. If discrimination is normalized in one sector, it’s only a matter of time before it creeps into others.
Impact on Youth: For transgender young people dreaming of a military career, this ban signals that their aspirations are invalid. It’s a gut punch to anyone who has ever looked up to the military as a pathway to service and opportunity.
Fuel for Bigotry: Policies like this embolden anti-trans rhetoric and violence, contributing to an already alarming rise in hate crimes against transgender individuals.
The Human Cost
Let’s not forget the faces behind the statistics. These are real people with real lives and real contributions to our country. Take, for instance, Navy Lieutenant Blake Dremann, the first openly transgender service member to win a prestigious military award. Or Army Staff Sergeant Patricia King, who served honorably for over 20 years. These individuals represent the best of what our military stands for: courage, dedication, and excellence.
Erasing their stories and their contributions isn’t just discriminatory—it’s un-American.
What Can Be Done?
Raise Hell: Speak out against this policy at every opportunity. Write to your representatives, protest, and make your voice heard.
Support Organizations: Groups like the Modern Military Association of America and the National Center for Transgender Equality are fighting this fight on the front lines. Donate, volunteer, or amplify their work.
Educate and Advocate: Counter misinformation with facts. Share resources, engage in conversations, and challenge bigotry wherever you see it.
Vote Like Lives Depend On It: Because they do. Elections have consequences, and your vote can help ensure that discrimination doesn’t become national policy.
In Conclusion: F*ck This Noise
Reinstating the transgender military ban isn’t just a policy decision—it’s an act of cruelty. It’s a slap in the face to equality, an insult to those who serve, and a regression into a past we should be leaving far behind.
So, let’s call it what it is: bullsh*t. And let’s fight like hell to make sure it doesn’t become reality.
Bibliography
RAND Corporation. (2016). Assessing the Implications of Allowing Transgender Personnel to Serve Openly.
Palm Center. (2021). The Cost of the Transgender Military Ban.
National Center for Transgender Equality. (2017). Understanding the Impacts of the Transgender Military Ban.
Modern Military Association of America. (2021). Transgender Service in the Military: What You Need to Know.
Department of Defense. (2016). Report of the Comprehensive Review on the Issues Associated with a Repeal of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell."