Background on the Issue
The US Army has announced plans to modify the records of transgender soldiers, ensuring that only their biological sex at birth is displayed. This decision stems from a Pentagon memorandum dated February 26, which asserts that a person’s sex is “invariable throughout a person’s lifetime.”
Pentagon’s Stance and Trump Administration
This move reflects the intentions of the administration of President Donald Trump following a recent Supreme Court ruling that paved the way for the Pentagon to enforce a ban on transgender soldiers’ service. The Army’s decision is part of a broader effort to address the aftermath of this ruling, affecting thousands of transgender service members.
Army’s Directives
According to a 14-page internal memo obtained by Reuters, military leaders are instructed to “immediately update personnel records and administrative systems” to reflect the biological sex of all individuals. The memo outlines several measures, including updating records and specifying that pronouns used to refer to individuals must correspond to their biological sex.
Furthermore, access to shared intimate spaces will be determined based on biological sex. The Army mandates that all shared intimate facilities are “clearly designated for male, female, or family use.”
Impact on Transgender Soldiers
Reuters first reported on the Army’s plans to begin expelling transgender soldiers who do not voluntarily leave by June 30. The decision also involves ending gender affirmation healthcare for transgender troops. As of now, the Army has not provided comments on these developments.
Key Questions and Answers
- What changes will the US Army implement in soldiers’ records? The Army will update records to reflect only the biological sex of soldiers at birth.
- Why is the Army making these changes? The decision stems from a Pentagon memorandum asserting that sex is “invariable throughout a person’s lifetime.” It reflects the Trump administration’s intentions following a Supreme Court ruling enabling a ban on transgender soldiers’ service.
- What other measures are included in the Army’s directives? The memo also specifies that pronouns must correspond to an individual’s biological sex and mandates clear designation of shared intimate facilities based on biological sex.
- When will these changes take effect, and how will it impact transgender soldiers? The Army plans to begin expelling transgender soldiers who do not leave voluntarily by June 30. Gender affirmation healthcare for transgender troops will also end.
