This entry introduces the topic of transgender people and the military. It begins by reporting estimated prevalence rates of transgender people in the U.S. military, and then explains possible reasons to account for the particularly high percentage of transgender service members. The entry goes on to review policies that have historically banned transgender people from military service in the United States and, in contrast, policies for inclusion and treatment of transgender veterans. Since people’s opinions vary on the topic of transgender people and the military, different perspectives are provided. Finally, militaries outside the United States that allow transgender people to serve openly are considered.

In this entry, the term transgender is used broadly to describe any individual who does not identify with the gender he or ...