The Department of the Navy has announced a policy aligning with an executive order from President Donald Trump to bar transgender individuals from serving in the military. This policy allows transgender sailors and Marines the option to voluntarily separate from the service by March 28. Those who choose not to do so risk being involuntarily removed from the service, which would result in reduced benefits post-separation. Acting Secretary of the Navy Terence Emmert stated in a memo that the Navy recognizes male and female as the only two sexes and that individuals with a history or symptoms of gender dysphoria may no longer serve.
The Navy’s policy states that a history of cross-sex hormone therapy or gender reassignment surgery for gender dysphoria is disqualifying for military service. However, the Navy will not actively seek out transgender service members through medical records unless explicitly requested to do so. Those who voluntarily separate from the service will receive double the separation pay compared to those who are involuntarily removed. The Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of the Marine Corps are instructed to ensure that impacted personnel are treated with dignity and respect. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis if it is shown that keeping or recruiting transgender individuals directly supports warfighting capabilities.
A federal lawsuit has been filed by LGBTQ legal rights advocacy groups seeking to block the Trump administration’s ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. The lawsuit challenges the policy as morally reprehensible and un-American, arguing that transgender service members who meet all qualifications should not be forcibly removed. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation and Lambda Legal are among the organizations involved in the legal action. The Navy has previously defended LGBTQ service members, with former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday supporting a nonbinary Navy officer featured in a video about LGBTQ inclusion.
The Navy’s guidance for transgender service members comes amidst ongoing legal challenges to the ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. U.S. District Court Judge Ana Reyes is expected to issue a final decision on a preliminary injunction by March 25. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation and Lambda Legal have criticized the Trump administration’s ban, describing it as an attack on those who have dedicated themselves to serving the country. Navy leaders have emphasized the importance of maintaining a cohesive warfighting team that upholds dignity and respect for all service members, regardless of background or identity.
Republican lawmakers have raised concerns about the Navy’s focus on LGBTQ inclusion, questioning the priorities of the military amid rising tensions with China. However, former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday defended the inclusion of LGBTQ service members in the Navy, stating that it is crucial to build a cohesive warfighting team that follows the law. Gilday emphasized the need for trust and respect among all service members, regardless of their background or identity, in order to effectively conduct prompt and sustained operations at sea.
