In a surprising development, the Trump administration appears to be reconsidering its controversial ban on transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military. This policy, enacted through an executive order, has faced widespread backlash since its implementation, with critics calling it discriminatory and harmful to military readiness. Among those affected is Zoey, a transgender woman and former reservist whose story underscores the human cost of this decision.
This editorial examines the implications of the ban, the reasons why the administration might be backtracking, and Zoey’s personal experiences, including her candid reflections shared in a recent Q&A session.
The Executive Order and Its Fallout
President Donald Trump’s executive order reversed a 2021 policy by President Joe Biden that allowed transgender individuals to serve openly in the military. The reinstated ban requires service members to use facilities and pronouns corresponding to their sex at birth and halts gender-affirming medical procedures. Transgender service members face removal unless they obtain waivers demonstrating stability in their assigned sex at birth without any clinical distress or functional impairment 4 6.
Scope and Impact
A Estimates suggest that between 2,150 and 15,500 transgender individuals currently serve in the U.S. military, which has approximately 1.3 million active-duty personnel 1 10 3. While this number may seem small in the context of the entire military, it represents a significant portion of dedicated service members who are being forced out or barred from enlisting. The ban affects not just the individuals but also the cohesion and morale of military units, as Zoey’s experience illustrates.
Healthcare and Medical Costs
Before the ban, the military provided gender-affirming medical care, including hormone therapy and surgeries. A 2016 Rand Corporation study estimated these costs at $2.4 million to $8.4 million annually, a fraction of the military's overall healthcare budget. Critics argue that halting these services undermines transgender service members' health while having negligible financial benefits 1.
The policy has had immediate and far-reaching consequences, including stripping transgender service members of access to essential healthcare. While some, like Zoey, technically retain TriCare military health insurance, coverage for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other gender-affirming treatments has been eliminated 3 4. This change disproportionately affects transgender personnel while leaving other costly elective procedures for cisgender service members intact — a disparity Zoey was quick to point out during her interview.
For example, military insurance does not cover gender-affirming surgeries such as sex reassignment surgery (SRS), which is one of the most expensive procedures for transgender individuals. However, the military does cover breast augmentations for soldiers and their spouses—procedures that have even been justified as saving marriages. Erectile dysfunction medications like Cialis and Viagra are also covered extensively for cisgender soldiers.
To put this into perspective:
- Cost of HRT: The annual cost of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transgender individuals is estimated at $2.4 million to $8.4 million across the entire military healthcare system 1.
- Cost of ED Medications: According to reports, the Department of Defense spends approximately $41.6 million annually on erectile dysfunction medications like Cialis and Viagra 11 12 13 .
Visual Summary of Healthcare Spending:
These figures demonstrate that the cost of providing HRT is significantly lower than what is spent on ED treatments. Claims that transgender healthcare burdens military budgets are unfounded, especially when compared to other elective procedures routinely covered for cisgender personnel.
A Personal Story: Zoey’s Journey
Zoey served with distinction as a reservist, earning respect from her peers as a skilled photographer and advocate for women’s rights. Despite her contributions, she was discharged under the new policy—a decision that left her unit disheartened but powerless to intervene. Recently, however, Zoey received an unexpected message from her old unit inviting her back to attend drills—a development that raises questions about whether the administration is reconsidering its stance on transgender service members 3.
Q&A with Zoey
In a recent interview, Zoey shared her thoughts on the ban and its impact on her life:
Personal Impact and Experience:
- Can you describe your initial reaction when you learned about the executive order and its implications for transgender service members?
My first reaction was fear for my colleagues, our health insurance, jobs, and families. Then, I felt incredibly hurt. I had dedicated so much to my career, only for the Department of Defense to discard me like they have veterans in the past. Honestly, I wasn't surprised. Thankfully, I was part-time, so losing my benefits and being discharged was ultimately beneficial, as the military was holding me back. However, I feel terrible for my fellow veterans who lost everything. If you don't think this is a deliberate attempt to drive trans people to suicide by taking away their jobs, families, healthcare, housing, and education, you're naive.
- How did the removal from your reserve unit specifically affect your life, both personally and professionally?
I don't believe my identity significantly impacted my military career. However, my appearance likely played a role—I "pass" well. This made my involvement in the military and public life much easier. People find me attractive, which influences my interactions with the public. My involvement in women's reproductive rights petitions in Ohio and Missouri was challenging, but not because I was a trans woman; it was because I was a woman, subjected to gawking, shouting, and whistling.
- You served with pride and fought for women's rights. Can you share some examples of your service and how your identity as a trans woman played a role?
My involvement in women’s reproductive rights petitions in Ohio and Missouri were difficult, but not because I was a trans woman, but because I was a woman. Someone who they would gawk, shout, and whistle at.
- What were your feelings about the military before the ban, and how have they changed since?
My feelings remained consistent. I believe smaller, more moderate units (like the one I was in at Little Rock) are less prone to radicalization. However, I could see radicalization happening across America due to the perception of trans people as "demons" or "monsters."
- Can you describe the process of your removal from the reserve unit? Was it handled with respect, or did you feel discriminated against?
I feel that my unit handled my discharge well, though they didn't believe me when I predicted it months in advance.
- How did your fellow service members react to your removal? Were there shows of support or any negative experiences?
My fellow service members were quite upset. Everyone was sad to see me go because I was a good photographer. This was a sign of progress for Arkansas, but it was a very small unit.
- What kind of support system did you have during this challenging time?
I was thankful to have my girlfriend, friends, and two sisters supporting me.
Personal Impact and Experience
- How has this experience affected your mental and emotional well-being?
This experience was incredibly challenging and emotionally draining. However, I feel much stronger now and have gained a clearer perspective on my priorities. It has been a difficult journey, but I am focused on moving forward in a positive direction.
- How has this experience impacted your advocacy for women's rights?
This experience has only deepened my commitment to advocating for women's rights. While I was disappointed by certain political outcomes, I recognized that my work in areas like canvassing, politics, and even adult entertainment would remain relevant. These challenges have reinforced my determination to fight for equality and expose societal contradictions. For example, some individuals who publicly oppose transgender rights privately consume content featuring transgender performers, highlighting a significant disparity between their public statements and private actions.
The Executive Order and Policy:
- In your opinion, what were the primary motivations behind the executive order?
The primary motivation appears to be targeting transgender individuals with the intent of isolating them from their support systems. This creates an environment where it becomes easier to dehumanize transgender people in the eyes of the public.
- What do you believe are the biggest misconceptions about transgender individuals serving in the military?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that transgender individuals are not capable of meeting military standards. The truth is that many service members, regardless of gender identity, face challenges with physical fitness tests like the ACFT. Historically, similar arguments were made against cisgender women serving in the military, yet they proved their capabilities. Additionally, there is often disproportionate focus on trans women while trans men are overlooked because they "pass" more easily in certain contexts. As a trans woman, I can only speak to my own experiences, but I believe these misconceptions stem from a lack of understanding and awareness.
- How do you feel about the arguments made in favor of the ban, such as concerns about unit cohesion or medical costs?
Arguments about unit cohesion and medical costs are unfounded. During my six years as a 13B (Cannon Crew Member) before transitioning into a Public Affairs role, my soldiers respected me as their sergeant regardless of my identity. Regarding medical costs, military insurance does not cover gender-affirming surgeries such as SRS (sex reassignment surgery), which is often cited as expensive. However, it does cover procedures like breast augmentations for soldiers or their spouses—even when framed as saving marriages—and erectile dysfunction medications like Cialis or Viagra. The cost of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transgender service members is minimal compared to these expenses. Claims that transgender healthcare burdens military budgets are simply inaccurate. Also, Zoey elaborated how she may still have her insurance, but it doesn't cover any trans related surgery.
Looking Forward and Advocacy:
- What message do you want to send to other transgender individuals who may be facing similar challenges?
If possible, seek out environments where you feel safe and supported. Your well-being should always come first.
- What are your hopes for the future regarding transgender inclusion in the military?
I hope that transgender individuals will have the opportunity to serve openly because they are fully capable of doing so. However, I would advise against putting oneself in harm's way for an institution that does not fully value or respect their humanity.
- How do you plan to continue your advocacy work, and what are your goals?
I plan to continue advocating for women's reproductive rights through ballot initiatives and other political efforts. If progress becomes unattainable or unsafe, I will prioritize my personal safety and consider other options.
- What can civilians do to support transgender service members and advocate for policy change?
Civilians can support transgender service members by actively standing in solidarity with us—speaking out against discriminatory policies and amplifying our voices, demanding policy changes that protect our rights, and challenging discriminatory practices.
- If you had the opportunity to speak directly to policymakers, what would you say?
If given the chance to address policymakers directly, my message would be clear: "Your actions have consequences, and history will judge you harshly for them." Policies that marginalize and dehumanize transgender individuals are not just harmful—they are unjust.
Why Is the Administration Backtracking?
Several factors may explain why the Trump administration appears to be reconsidering its decision:
- Legal Challenges: Advocacy groups argue that the ban violates constitutional protections against discrimination 7 5 6. Courts have increasingly scrutinized such policies targeting marginalized groups.
- Public Opinion: While support for transgender troops has declined—from 71% in 2019 to 58% today—a majority of Americans still oppose outright bans on their service 2 5.
- Military Readiness: Removing an estimated 15,000 transgender service members could strain recruitment efforts and readiness while wasting taxpayer dollars retraining replacements 8 4 9.
- Unit Cohesion: Contrary to claims supporting the ban, stories like Zoey’s demonstrate that transgender individuals can integrate seamlessly into units without disrupting cohesion 8 3.
The Bigger Picture
The ban has sparked significant public outcry and legal challenges from advocacy groups who argue it undermines military readiness by removing qualified personnel based on discriminatory criteria 7 5 6. Critics also highlight inconsistencies in healthcare policies—while gender-affirming care is halted for transgender personnel, other elective procedures remain covered under TriCare 8 4.
Zoey’s story sheds light on these inequities while challenging misconceptions about transgender service members’ fitness and contributions.
Conclusion
The Trump administration's transgender military ban represents a profound shift in U.S. policy with far-reaching consequences for thousands of service members and their families. However, recent developments suggest potential reconsideration due to mounting legal challenges, public pressure, and practical concerns about military readiness.
As debates continue, stories like Zoey's remind us of the resilience of those affected by such policies and underscore the need for equity and inclusion in all aspects of public life.
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