Transgender Service Members and Veterans in the National Transgender Discrimination Survey

Still serving in silence

October 2013

The repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” marked the end of military policies that discriminated based on sexual orientation, but it did not end the prohibition on trans military service. This study explores the experiences of transgender soldiers and veterans. It was published in the LGBTQ Policy Journal in October 2013.

AUTHORS

Jody L. Herman
Senior Scholar of Public Policy
Jack Harrison-Quintana
Director, Grindr for Equality

CONTACT US ABOUT THIS STUDY

Highlights

The National Transgender Discrimination Survey found that 20% of respondents had served in the armed forces.

Respondents who had served reported difficulty in obtaining corrected identity documents, barriers to accessing medical care, and discrimination.

Transgender veterans also report experiencing high rates of family rejection and homelessness.

Data Points

36%

of transgender veteran respondents reported losing a job to anti-transgender bias

48%

of transgender veterans reported that they were generally closeted

39%

of non-military respondents reported that they were closeted

24%

of transgender veterans reported being denied medical treatment due to anti-transgender bias

67%

of transgender veterans reported family rejection due to anti-transgender bias

Please contact our communications office for a full copy of the study.

Related Publications

Fact Sheet

Effects of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” on Retention among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Military Personnel

March 2007

Brief

Transgender Military Service in the United States

May 2014

Report

Transgender and Cisgender US Veterans Have Few Health Differences

July 2018