Weeks after the Pentagon announced that transgender service members may serve openly, Army officials have announced that 10 soldiers have formally requested to be recognized as their preferred gender.
TG Voice Therapy, a speech therapy service that specializes in voice therapy for transgender, brings you the story.
This number comprises of only those who have openly stated they are transgender and does not include service members considering or beginning their gender transition.
Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, General Mark Milley, stated that the focus is now to educate our forces, especially commanders, who will primarily make decisions concerning soldiers who petition a gender change in their units. Milley acknowledged that the Army is beyond the phase of debating, but rather is in the phase of education and execution.
Taking effect on October 1, the Pentagon policy allows transgender service members to access medical care and change their gender identifications within the Pentagon’s personnel system. Next year, transgender individuals will be able to enlist provided these individuals satisfy required military standards and have maintained stability in their identified gender for a minimum of 18 months.
Currently serving transgender troops can request that their gender be officially changed, and after legal transition, will have access to restrooms, housing, uniforms, and fitness standards of their preferred gender. Commanders must respond to requests by active duty service members within 30 days and within 60 days for requests by members of the National Guard and Reserve.
The policy allows commanders discretion in their decisions regarding job placement and deployments, as well as in changes to housing and bathroom accommodations. However, the policy specifically prohibits the creation of transgender-only areas within the Army.
Although the Army notes that transgender servicemen and women are well into the thousands, they attribute the currently low numbers to members remaining cautious and wanting to see how the policy will develop.
Transgender Voice Training
TG Voice Therapy specializes in transgender voice training. For more information or to book a consultation, visit our website or call (323) 954-0887. We are located at 117 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036.
