Trans Airmen and Space Force Personnel Face March 26 Deadline Under Trump-Era Order

The Pentagon has made a controversial move, urging transgender military personnel in the Air Force and Space Force to voluntarily separate from service by March 26. The reasoning, according to a memo, is that individuals with gender dysphoria are deemed "incompatible with the high mental and physical standards necessary for military service." That’s a diplomatic way of saying, "You don’t fit our mold," isn’t it?

This directive aligns with a Trump-era executive order barring transgender troops from serving in the military. The legal battle over this order has been ongoing since its inception, with organizations like GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights filing lawsuits almost immediately after the order was issued.

According to the memo, signed by Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Gwendolyn R. DeFilippi, service members eligible for voluntary separation pay will receive double the usual amount for involuntary separation pay. A bittersweet bonus, wouldn’t you say?

Service members undergoing cross-sex hormone treatments will be allowed to continue their medical care until their separation is finalized, as directed by Department of Defense medical providers. However, they must adhere to standards that align with their biological sex—everything from physical fitness requirements to living arrangements—effective immediately.

Last week's internal Pentagon memo reaffirmed that transgender individuals or those exhibiting gender dysphoria are prohibited from serving unless they obtain an exemption. Essentially, the policy stands as a barrier for those who don’t conform to traditional definitions of gender in the military context.

Jennifer Levi, an attorney with GLAD Law, expressed outrage in a statement, calling the memo "shameful" and accusing it of undermining national security by purging "highly accomplished, dedicated transgender service members."

Meanwhile, the Trump administration's transgender military ban continues to face legal challenges. Recently, the Justice Department filed a complaint against the presiding judge, Ana Reyes, citing potential bias and misconduct. With multiple lawsuits targeting the administration’s gender-related executive orders, it’s clear this issue is far from resolution.

Fox News Digital reported that it has reached out to the Department of Defense and the White House for comment, though no responses have been made public at this time.