As the defense secretary introduces a flurry of anti-trans policies, servicepeople fear the worst – a blanket ban – is yet to comeFor Bree Fram, an active-duty colonel in the US space force with 22 years of military experience, the last few weeks have been “incredibly challenging”.“Like thousands of other transgender military personnel, I am doing my job every day, while feeling fear and uncertainty of what is coming next,” said Fram. Continue reading...
The article discusses the concerns of transgender military members in the U.S. as they face potential bans under the Trump administration. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has introduced anti-trans policies, including ceasing the employment of new trans recruits and suspending medical treatments for transitioning service members. Transgender service members, such as Colonel Bree Fram and Lt Cdr Geirid Morgan, express fear over the impact of a blanket ban, which would affect not only new recruits but also those who have served for years. They argue that their service has been honorable and beneficial to national security, and they emphasize that their identities do not hinder their ability to serve. The administration's policies, which deny trans identities and claim that allowing trans service members weakens military standards, are challenged by a 2016 RAND study showing no negative impact on unit cohesion or costs. Legal challenges are being mounted by organizations like Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign, representing decorated trans service members. Despite the stress and uncertainty, many remain optimistic but prepare for the worst-case scenario, hoping to continue serving or be treated with dignity if forced to leave.
