Essay On Transgender Troops

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/05/air-force-transgender-troops_n_7520530.html Before taking a look at the current even analyzed in this paper a few terms and definitions need to be addressed. “Transgender is an umbrella term used to describe those whose gender identity, expression, or behavior differs from their assigned sex at birth or is outside the two gender categories” (Chambliss, 2015). It is important to note that transgender also includes other categories such as “transsexual, cross-dresser, androgynous, genderqueer, bigender, third gender, and gender nonconforming” (Chambliss, 2015). Transsexual generally refers to those who have gone through hormone therapy and surgery to change their gender. This is about their gender identity not their sexual orientation. Public education and awareness on this topic will most assuredly rise in light of the Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner transformation.

The Air Force is revamping its policy on Transgender airmen. This comes in the wake of a similar change made by the Army earlier this year, according to the article entitled “Air Force Loosens Its Policy Banning Transgender Troops”. This policy change does not lift the ban that the military has on transgender military personnel serving opening in the military. Due to this policy there are an approximate 15,500 transgender military personnel serving in secret. However, the policy change does “[raise] the level of authority necessary to discharge someone for being transgender” (Huffington Post, 2015). Although a total lift of the ban may be something for the military to look forward to. The more open-minded people become on these kinds of topics the more baby steps will be taken towards social equality for all. As previously stated this is a nationwide ongoing