Study Explores Health of Transgender Soldiers

[Ayla]

A study published in Transgender Health suggests more research into transgender mental and physical health could undermine the notion that trans-identified people are unfit for military service.

Transgender-identified people are currently banned from serving in the U.S. military. In July 2015, the United States Department of Defense announced the formation of a “working group” charged with investigating a possible lifting or relaxation of the ban.

A Department of Defense memo in August 2015 established a timeline for changing anti-transgender policies. According to the timeline, transgender people could begin serving in the military as early as May 2016.

Transgender Health During and After Military Service

Researchers developed an anonymous online questionnaire designed to measure physical and mental health to explore differences between current and former soldiers.

Fifty-five trans-identified active-duty soldiers, as well as 51 transgender veterans, completed the survey. The active-duty group had an average age of 29.5, compared to an older average age of 44 among veterans.

Veterans were more likely to experience depression than active-duty soldiers, with 64.6% of transgender veterans experiencing depression. Just 30.9% of current transgender soldiers reported symptoms of depression. An additional 15.9% of veterans and 1.8% of active-duty soldiers had been diagnosed with a substance abuse problem.

No significant differences in health existed between the two groups, though veterans had a higher average body mass index (BMI). Advanced age and longer periods of military service were both correlated with more physical and mental health issues.

Are Transgender People ‘Fit’ for Military Service?

The study shows mental and physical health problems are more prevalent among transgender veterans than active-duty transgender soldiers. Because it did not compare transgender to cisgender service members, it is unclear whether the former has a higher rate of mental or physical health problems. The study’s authors say their research points to a relatively low rate of serious health issues, and further research is necessary.

References:

Brydum, S. (2015, August 26). U.S. transgender military man to end in May. Retrieved from www.advocate.com/transgender/2015/08/26/us-transgender-military-ban-end-may
Hill, B. J., Bouris, A., Barnett, J. T., & Walker, D. (2016). Fit to serve? Exploring mental and physical health and well-being among transgender active-duty service members and veterans in the U.S. military. Transgender Health,1(1), 4-11. doi:10.1089/trgh.2015.0002
Patterson, J. (2015, July 20). A quick end to military transgender exclusion. Retrieved from thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/civil-rights/248337-a-quick-end-to-military-transgender-exclusion
Scott, E. (2015, August 7). HRC: Huckabee campaigning on hate with ban against transgender answer. Retrieved from www.cnn.com/2015/08/07/politics/mike-huckabee-transgender-military-hrc/

www.goodtherapy.org/blog/study-explores-health-of-transgender-soldiers-0222162   

[Shan]

The pregnant question: "Are Transgender People ‘Fit’ for Military Service?" 

Certainly not in combat roles for either transgender or cis females. Been in fierce combat (Google Hill 185). Not a good place for real manly males either, trust me on this.

[Ayla]

Shan

Why aren't trans folk fit for combat roles?  There would be more trans folk in combat roles than dis females. Many have served in the SAS and Seals, others in the trenches etc. I asked a recently retired Colonel for their view when I told him that I was trans. He didn't bat an eye lid and said in his experience try were great soldiers. He only had 2 concerns - those that were still trying hard to prove that they were alpha males and deny their dysphoria and those who may be transitioning and having to deal with high levels of HRT and the stress of hiding their identity.

On a lighter note I don't think that any human being is 'fit' for active service. It's something we should each avoid - cis or trans

[Shan]

Feb 24, 2016 3:43:25 GMT 8 Ayla said:

Shan

Why aren't trans folk fit for combat roles?  There would be more trans folk in combat roles than dis females. Many have served in the SAS and Seals, others in the trenches etc. I asked a recently retired Colonel for their view when I told him that I was trans. He didn't bat an eye lid and said in his experience try were great soldiers. He only had 2 concerns - those that were still trying hard to prove that they were alpha males and deny their dysphoria and those who may be transitioning and having to deal with high levels of HRT and the stress of hiding their identity.

On a lighter note I don't think that any human being is 'fit' for active service. It's something we should each avoid - cis or trans

"having to deal with high levels of HRT and the stress of hiding their identity" is part of it because it's bad enough when males break down over the stress of hundreds of rounds clapping past them, but estrogen turns the toughest former combat person, whether it's a Navy Seal, Army Ranger or Special Ops type into a sissy. I was in the paratroops and was a tough bad-ass alpha type now I am a pathetic sissy due to a long time on estrogen. Then there are those, and most specifically the Marines who just plain refuse to have females or female wanna-be's in their squad, platoon or companies because they assume it compromises their combat effectiveness, and I'm sure it would. I think we ought to leave them alone and quit trying to jam our stuff into their business.