It’s Historic Day. Ban On Transgender To Serve US Military Lifted

Until now transgender were not allowed to serve the US military openly, but Thursday’s announcement by Pentagon has brought to end the ban.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter made the announcement and with this one of the last barriers to US military service by an individual wraps up completely. He had been studying the issue for about a year.

In recent years the US military service has also witnessed major changes in the role of bisexual, lesbians, gays and women as well amid criticism from Republicans and conservatives too.

Republican chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Mac Thornberry, said the Thursday’s announcement to come into effect immediately.

The announcement means transgender service members henceforth will be eligible for similar medical coverage as other military members.

PALM Center had advocated for the ban lifting for past three years and its founder and executive director, Aaron Belkin, called the announcement as a “historic day.”

Belkin said henceforth new people don’t need to lie about their identity to serve the military and will be able to receive the medical care that they need.

Carter added, “Americans who want to serve and meet our standards should be afforded the opportunity to compete.”

US Army Reserve officer Capt. Sage Fox said the matter is about civil rights, about equality and about recognizing the decency of human beings.

Fox transitioned in 2012.