Donald Trump bans transgender people from serving in the US military

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President Donald Trump has banned transgender people from serving in the US military.

Trump has declared that transgender people will not be welcome in “any capacity” in the military, making the announcement on his Twitter account.

He tweeted, “After consultation with my Generals and military experts, please be advised that the United States Government will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the US military.”

He continued tweeting, “Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming…victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail.”

Last month it was also revealed that the Defence Secretary Jim Mattis had given the military a six-month extension on their review into whether allowing trans people to join would affect their readiness to fight.

It is not currently known whether Trump’s decision will affect transgender people already serving in the armed forces.

The announcement is a blow to the transgender community. Nineteen countries around the world allow transgender people to serve in the military including Australia, Austria, Canada, Bolivia, France, Germany, Israel, New Zealand and Sweden, amongst others.

The British Armed Forces actively welcomes transgender personnel and the Army has a formal network that ensures transgender soldiers can find advice and support.

In 2016, Chloe Allen made history after she became the first transgender soldier to serve on the frontline.

About the author

Alison is the Digital Content Editor for WeAreTheCity. She has a BA Honours degree in Journalism and History from the University of Portsmouth. She has previously worked in the marketing sector and in a copywriting role. Alison’s other passions and hobbies include writing, blogging and travelling.
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