US embraces transgender troops

By Park Si-soo

The U.S. government has lifted rules barring transgender people from serving in the military.

The decision comes as the U.S. military has witnessed major changes in the role of women and the inclusion of gays, lesbians and bisexual service members in recent years, according to CNN.

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the ending of the ban takes effect immediately and that no longer could a transgender person be discharged on the basis of sexual identity. He said transgender service members will also receive the same medical coverage as any other military member, receiving all care their doctors deem necessary.

For current members of the military, the coverage will include hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery if doctors determine that such procedures are medically necessary. New service members must be “stable” in gender identity for 18 months before joining.