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ACP: Transgender individuals should not be banned from military
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In a series of posts on Twitter on July 26, 2017, President Donald J. Trump pointed to a reinstitution of a transgender ban from the military. In response, ACP issued a statement strongly opposing the president’s decision, emphasizing its support for inclusive policies that benefit the overall health and well-being of all Americans, including the LGBT community.
“We believe that gender identity should be included as part of non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, including those meant to prevent employment discrimination,” Jack Ende, MD, president of ACP, said in a press release. “Transgender individuals are already successfully serving in our armed services and should not be denied the opportunity to continue to do so or to serve in the future.”
Policies that fortify social stigma, marginalization or discrimination go against the values of ACP, according to the press release. In 2015, the association released a policy paper, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health Disparities, which reinforces their belief that public and private health plans should cover transgender health services, including health services provided by the military, according to the release. Providing such services would cost little and should not be used to justify denying coverage and access to transgender individuals, ACP noted.
“We urge President Trump to reverse his decision to bar transgender persons from military service,” Ende said in the release. “Should he not immediately do so, Congress and the courts must step in to overturn his order so that transgender persons may serve in the military without discrimination, and are able to obtain necessary and appropriate health services.”
Furthermore, Trump’s transgender military ban is harmful for mental health, according to the American Psychiatric Association.