We Did It! Trans-People Can Now Serve Openly in the Military!

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Barack Obama's Secretary of Defense Ash Carter officially announced that transgender individuals can now openly serve in the U.S. military.

"This is the right thing to do for our people and for the force," declared Carter. "We're talking about talented Americans who are serving with distinction or who want the opportunity to serve. We can't allow barriers unrelated to a person's qualifications prevent us from recruiting and retaining those who can best accomplish the mission."

Last week, USA Today revealed that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) was going to lift the ban on military service by transgender people.

USA Today indicated that service members would be eligible for U.S.-taxpayer funded gender transition surgery once the DOD regulation is changed.

"The DoD policy announced today also establishes a construct by which service members may transition gender while serving, sets standards for medical care and outlines responsibilities for military services and commanders to develop and implement guidance, training and specific policies in the near and long-term," notes the Pentagon in statement announcing the change.

"The policy will be phased in during a one-year period. Effective immediately, service members may no longer be involuntarily separated, discharged or denied reenlistment solely on the basis of gender identity. Service members currently on duty will be able to serve openly," it adds.