The Executive Board of the Student Affiliates of Seventeen (SAS) joins the American Psychological Association (APA) in standing against the current policy of the Trump Administration and the U.S. Department of Defense regarding the ban against transgender military service. In light of the recent Supreme Court decision to uphold the administration’s ban, we find it important to publicly oppose the ban on transgender troops and critically question the U.S. Department of Defense’s justification on banning transgender Americans from serving in the United States military. Put no better way than was previously shared by APA:
“No scientific evidence has shown that allowing transgender people to serve in the armed forces has an adverse impact on readiness or unit cohesion. What research does show is that discrimination and stigma undermine morale and readiness by creating a significant source of stress for sexual minorities that can harm their health and well-being.”
As such, the current administration and Department of Defense refuse to acknowledge the research contradictive to that which they utilize as the foundation of this policy. In enacting this ban they are intentionally failing to accept and feigning ignorance toward the negative consequences that are sure to follow for the mental and physical health of an already marginalized community. What is more, the Trump Administration further demonstrates oppression and incompetence with their overt disregard to differentiate between transgender identity from the experience of having gender dysphoria. The presence of one is not indicative of the other nor are the terms interchangeable. As professionals, we aspire to advocate for the demarcation of these labels and wish to remind all that there is no such thing as “transgender” in the DSM-5. It is with this statement that the SAS Executive Board extends our continued support for all persons afflicted by this abhorrent policy. Know that we stand with you and will continue to strive to advocate for equality for you and all persons who fall victim to the oppression of our society.
To download the PDF version of this document, click here: SAS Statement_Trans Military Ban
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