US to Change Transgender Soldiers’ Records to Birth Sex: Report
In a recent development, the US Army has announced that it will change the records of transgender soldiers to show only their sex at birth, according to a report by Reuters. The decision is a significant blow to the transgender community, who have been fighting for their rights and recognition in the military.
The report cites a document from the Army, which states that the military considers a person’s sex to be “unchanging during a person’s life.” This means that the Army will not recognize a person’s gender identity, but will instead use their biological sex as listed on their birth certificate.
The document also states that access to “intimate spaces” for soldiers will be determined by an individual’s biological sex. This could include areas such as barracks, showers, and restrooms. The Army’s decision is likely to be challenged by transgender soldiers and advocacy groups, who argue that it is discriminatory and violates their rights.
The move is seen as a reversal of the Army’s previous policy, which allowed transgender soldiers to serve openly and to have their gender identity recognized on their records. In 2016, the Obama administration lifted the ban on transgender people serving in the military, and the Army began to allow transgender soldiers to serve openly.
However, in 2017, President Donald Trump announced that the military would no longer allow transgender individuals to serve, citing concerns about the cost and disruption that would be caused by allowing transgender individuals to serve. The policy change was blocked by a federal court, and the Army continued to allow transgender soldiers to serve.
The new policy is likely to be implemented in the coming months, and it is expected to affect thousands of transgender soldiers who are currently serving in the Army. The move is seen as a setback for the transgender community, who have been fighting for recognition and equality in the military.
The Army’s decision is also seen as a departure from the policy of other branches of the military. The Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard have all continued to allow transgender individuals to serve, and have recognized their gender identity on their records.
The news of the Army’s policy change has been met with criticism from transgender advocacy groups, who argue that it is discriminatory and violates the rights of transgender individuals. The Human Rights Campaign, a leading LGBTQ advocacy group, has condemned the Army’s decision, saying that it is “a step backwards for equality and fairness in the military.”
The National Center for Lesbian Rights, another LGBTQ advocacy group, has also criticized the Army’s decision, saying that it is “a harmful and discriminatory policy that will cause harm to transgender service members and their families.”
The Army’s decision is also seen as a setback for the Biden administration, which has been working to promote equality and inclusion in the military. The administration has supported the rights of transgender individuals, and has taken steps to ensure that they are treated fairly and with respect.
In conclusion, the US Army’s decision to change the records of transgender soldiers to show only their sex at birth is a significant blow to the transgender community. The decision is seen as a reversal of the Army’s previous policy, and is likely to be challenged by transgender soldiers and advocacy groups. The move is also seen as a departure from the policy of other branches of the military, and is likely to have significant implications for the transgender community.
Source:
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-army-change-transgender-soldiers-records-birth-sex-2025-05-21/
