Letter to the Honorable General James Mattis, Secretary of Defense - Delay Implementation of Policy on Transgender Service Members

Letter

Dear Secretary Mattis:

We are writing to express our significant concern about the request for a 6 month delay in the implementation of the policy to admit transgender service members into the military. As you are aware, on June 30, 2016, the Department of Defense (DOD) removed the ban on transgender troops and established a new policy that would allow for transgender enlistments and appointments beginning on July 1, 2017.

The removal of the ban on transgender troops was the result of a yearlong review of DOD policies regarding transgender service members and the findings of a working group composed of military and civilian personnel to study the implications. In this process, the DOD also identified health care needs and impacts, assessed the potential readiness implications, and reviewed the experience of transgender service members overseas. The findings indicated that the medical cost of transgender service members would be limited, and that far from hindering readiness, "commanders noted that the policies had benefits for all service members by creating a more inclusive and diverse force."[1]

Additionally, the policy that has been under review recommends that a transgender individual be stable in their new gender for 18 months prior to admittance into the armed forces. We understand that there is a request to change that time frame to 2 years. There is no evidence to support this change, and we are concerned that it could hinder the recruitment of troops. We hope that you will honor the 18-month time-frame initially proposed.

We strongly encourage you to deny the request for a six month delay in transgender policy implementation. Throughout our nation's history, the Department of Defense has benefited from diversity and equal opportunity programs and policies, which support recruitment, retention, and promotion. There are thousands of transgender individuals in our military today. There should be no further delay in implementing this policy and allowing transgender individuals to serve the country they love.

Thank you for your consideration

Sincerely,