In a move that has sparked outrage and concern among transgender advocates and allies, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new policy banning transgender individuals with a history of gender dysphoria from joining the military. The directive also halts all gender-affirming medical care for current service members. The announcement follows President Donald Trump’s recent executive order targeting transgender troops in a deeply personal way.
The policy change, outlined in a memo dated February 7 and filed with the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., marks a stark departure from previous policies allowing transgender individuals to serve openly in the military.
The Ban and Its Immediate Impact
“Effective immediately, all new accessions for individuals with a history of gender dysphoria are paused,” Hegseth stated in the memo. “All unscheduled, scheduled, or planned medical procedures associated with affirming or facilitating a gender transition for service members are paused.”
While the memo promises that current transgender service members will be “treated with dignity and respect,” it leaves many questions unanswered, particularly regarding what that treatment will entail. Advocates fear that transgender troops will face increased discrimination, isolation, and an uncertain future.
Miriam Perelson, a 28-year-old transgender woman serving at Fort Jackson in South Carolina, shared her experience of being forced out of the female sleeping quarters and assigned a cot in an empty classroom. Her story is not unique—many transgender service members now worry they could face similar treatment.
A Step Backward for Inclusion
The directive arrives at a time when public support for transgender service members is waning. A recent Gallup poll revealed that 58% of Americans support transgender individuals serving openly in the military—a significant drop from 71% in 2019.
Advocates argue that this policy is a step backward, undoing years of progress. Shannon Minter, lead counsel for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, called the memo “a clear signal that transgender service members’ rights are under attack.” Civil rights groups have already filed lawsuits challenging the executive order, citing violations of the Fifth Amendment’s equal protection and due process guarantees.
“By categorically excluding transgender people, the 2025 Military Ban violates fundamental constitutional rights,” states the lawsuit filed by the Human Rights Campaign and Lambda Legal on behalf of six active-duty transgender service members.
A Misguided Focus on “Readiness”
Hegseth defended the policy, emphasizing the military’s need for “strict mental and physical standards” and arguing that accommodating different identities undermines unit cohesion and readiness.
However, research and real-world experience suggest otherwise. According to the Congressional Research Service, the Department of Defense spent approximately $15 million on gender-affirming medical care for transgender service members between 2016 and 2021—a fraction of the military’s overall healthcare budget. Most of this amount was spent on counseling and hormone therapy, with only $3.1 million allocated for surgeries.
“Transgender Americans have served openly and honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces for nearly a decade,” said a spokesperson for Sparta Pride, an advocacy group for transgender service members. “Anyone who meets the standards should be able to serve. Denying transgender Americans the opportunity to serve—or limiting their access to medically necessary care—harms both individuals and the military as a whole.”
Lives in Limbo
The memo leaves transgender service members in a precarious position. While the Department of Defense promises additional guidance, the lack of clarity has left many wondering whether they will be forced out of service or denied critical healthcare.
For active-duty service members like Miriam, the situation is deeply personal and painful. “I’ve dedicated my life to serving my country,” she said. “Now, I feel abandoned by the very institution I swore to protect.”
While the Pentagon insists it will continue to provide counseling and hormone therapy under TRICARE’s current policies, the memo’s ambiguous language raises concerns. Will transgender service members be able to access care outside of military facilities? Will dependents and retirees lose access as well?
The Bottom Line
Transgender advocates are urging Congress and the courts to intervene. “We need immediate court intervention to protect transgender service members,” Minter said. “Their lives, careers, and well-being are at stake.”
Despite the challenges ahead, many in the transgender community remain determined to fight for their right to serve. They view this moment not as the end but as a call to action—a reminder that progress often comes in waves and that the fight for equality is far from over.
For the estimated 15,000 transgender individuals currently serving in the U.S. military, the message is clear: You are not alone. Allies and advocates across the country stand with you, ready to fight for your right to serve and live authentically.
As the legal battles unfold and public debate continues, one thing remains certain—transgender service members have already proven their resilience, strength, and dedication. Their fight for inclusion in the military is far from over.
For transgender service members and their families, the road ahead may be uncertain, but their courage and commitment to serve remain unwavering. In the words of one transgender veteran, “We’ve always fought harder than most to serve our country. That won’t change now.”
