Did you know that an estimated 150,000 transgender individuals have served in the U.S. armed forces, or are currently on active duty? In addition, an estimated 134,000 transgender individuals are military veterans. This analysis is consistent with other research suggesting that transgender individuals are more likely than the general population to serve in the US military. Recently the American Medical Association affirmed that there is no valid reason to exclude transgender individuals from military service.
Despite the research, our current administration continues to insist that transgender individuals are unfit to serve our country. And now it's working to prevent transgender veterans from accessing the care that their healthcare providers recommend.
But there's something we can do. The Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) is asking for comments from the general public about whether to provide medically necessary health care to trans veterans. We at Center Action Network feel that NO veteran should be denied the care they need, and we think many of you agree.
Can you submit a comment before the September 7th deadline? You can write your own, or copy and paste this one into the comment form:
All eligible veterans deserve medically necessary care. Excluding medical treatments for transgender veterans who have proudly served their country harms their health and could even put their lives at risk. The American Medical Association affirms that transgender service members should be provided care as determined by patient and physician, according to the same medical standards that apply to non-transgender personnel. Medical decisions should be made by medical professionals based on current standards of care.
Thank you.