Transgenders in the U.S. military: policies, problems, and prospects
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Authors
Mendez, Endia T.
Subjects
Transgender(s)
Transsexual(s)
Transsexualism
Gender Identity Disorder (GID)
Gender Dysphoria
Gender Non-conforming
Gender Identity
Gender Variance
Transition Military
Sexuality
Sexual Orientation
Transsexual(s)
Transsexualism
Gender Identity Disorder (GID)
Gender Dysphoria
Gender Non-conforming
Gender Identity
Gender Variance
Transition Military
Sexuality
Sexual Orientation
Advisors
Eitelberg, Mark J.
Thomas, Gail F.
Date of Issue
2014-03
Date
Mar-14
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This study explores the policies, problems, and prospects related to transgenders serving in the U.S. military. Simply defined, transgender refers to persons whose gender identity, behavior, or expression does not conform to their sex assigned at birth. Yet, as the present study shows, the terminology and associated issues are complicated and defy simple definitions. The U.S. military currently prohibits transgenders from joining or serving openly, as seen in policies and medical standards identified by the study. A number of other nations do not prohibit transgenders from serving in their military. The study focuses on the practices of two such nations, Australia and Canada. Also examined is the trend toward changing medical classifications of transgender, resulting from revised perspectives by the world's most authoritative sources. Notably, these sources have shifted away from classifying gender incongruence as a disorder or placing it in a mental health category. The study concludes that medical reasons for excluding transgenders from the U.S. military are inconsistent with prevailing views. Several areas for further research are recommended.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Graduate School of Business & Public Policy (GSBPP)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
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Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.