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New Film Highlights Transgender Service Members and Veterans
A new feature length version, TransMilitary, highlights the story of courageous men and women who came out as transgender in the U.S. Military. The films features service members at all levels, including top brass officials inside the Pentagon.
According to the Palm Center, there are approximately 15,500 actively serving transgender members of the U.S. military, making the Department of Defense (DOD) the largest employer of transgender people in America. These courageous men and women are forced to serve in silence by DOD medical regulations prohibiting their service and requiring their separation from the military if discovered – regulations are outdated and out of step with current medical practice.
In July, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced the establishment of a working group to study the policy. The group considered a list of issues surrounding the open service of transgender troops, including medical treatment, housing, uniforms and physical fitness standards.
Fiona Dawson, a writer and director who formerly served on HRC’s National Board of Directors, co-directed and co-produced the film.
“When the discriminatory policies do change, the film will ensure that this historic victory in American history is fully captured and told well,” Dawson said. “We can’t let this incredible and unique story of transgender rights be lost in time.
The film documents the urgency for Secretary Carter to move forward with open military service in the coming weeks.
Watch the trailer for the film here and to learn more about transgender military service, click here.
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