After 17 years in the US Army, Maj. Kara Corcoran, 39, was on the brink of graduating from an elite military leadership program when she encountered an unexpected complication. Just two days before the ceremony, Kara received an order from the Pentagon requiring her to conform to male grooming standards, which included cutting her long blonde hair. "Nothing about me is a man, but we're going to force me into male regulations just so I can walk across the stage with my peers," Kara expressed before her graduation, emphasizing that her hair cut was not by choice, but a requirement.
Kara is one of thousands of transgender individuals affected by a renewed ban that prohibits them from serving in any capacity within the US military, announced by former President Trump. This reinstated policy eliminates most exceptions for service members who had previously been allowed to continue in their roles despite receiving a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, and it reflects a significant shift in military policy. Current estimates suggest around 4,200 to 10,000 transgender service members are at risk under the new regulations.
The directive states that a history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria is "incompatible with the high mental and physical standards necessary for military service." Critics argue that the policy is discriminatory and have initiated legal challenges against it, claiming it unnecessarily stigmatizes a vulnerable group.
Kara joined the Army in 2008 and transitioned in 2018, feeling that her transition provided clarity and heightened focus in her role. However, with Trump’s latest policy now in effect, she faces the possibility of involuntary separation—being discharged against her will—unless she chooses to leave voluntarily, which could result in a substantial loss of benefits. "I'm not going to get voluntarily separated," she stated. "I'll go through the involuntary separation and what that looks like."
Service members like Kara are not alone in this struggle. Lt. Rae Timberlake, a non-binary officer who has served in the Navy, also feels the pressure of the new policies. They are facing significant career uncertainties following Trump's recent election victory and have requested a transfer to be closer to their family for support. Rae's experience echoes that of many in the military who feel their identities are under attack, ultimately forcing them to navigate their futures in survival mode.
The Justice Department claims the ban maintains consistent medical and readiness standards; however, opponents assert that it targets transgender identities unfairly. Legal battles are ongoing, with varying success rates in the courts, leaving many members in limbo.
Kara and Rae's experiences illustrate a broader trend of fluctuating military policies regarding gender identity, reflecting a climate of uncertainty and fear. Both service members continue to advocate for their right to serve authentically, amidst looming threats to their military careers.
