In a move eerily reminiscent of the Salem witch hunts, the U.S. military has been directed to root out transgender service members through mandatory medical screenings. This latest development follows President Donald Trump’s executive order, which effectively bans transgender individuals from serving in the armed forces.
According to defense officials, commanders are now instructed to identify troops who are transgender or have gender dysphoria and direct them to undergo medical checks, initiating a process to force them out of the service. This process has sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ advocates and service members alike, drawing disturbing parallels to past military policies such as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
Forced Out by Health Screenings
The new order, issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, uses annual health checks as the primary means to identify transgender troops. Traditionally, these health assessments determine whether a service member is medically fit for duty. However, they have added a new question about gender dysphoria, specifically targeting transgender individuals.
Commanders are also empowered to flag service members they believe exhibit symptoms of gender dysphoria, even if they do not self-identify. This measure is seen by many as a betrayal of trust within military units, effectively turning commanders into witch hunters tasked with purging troops based on their gender identity.
A Dangerous Precedent
Critics of the policy contend that this directive, which relies on exposing service members during routine health checks, creates opportunities for abuse and discrimination. While the Pentagon maintains that the process will be impartial, historical evidence suggests otherwise. During the era of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” military commanders and fellow troops often outed gay service members, leading to fear, isolation, and career devastation.
“This feels like a witch hunt,” said one transgender veteran who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s terrifying to think that someone I trusted could turn me in just for being who I am. We’ve been through this before; it didn’t work then, and it won’t work now.”
A Financial Incentive to Leave
The Department of Defense is offering double the usual separation pay to those who voluntarily come forward by June 6 for active-duty members and July 7 for the National Guard and Reserve. While officials claim this incentive is meant to support those leaving the service, advocates see it as a calculated effort to push transgender troops out before they can be identified through health checks.
Echoes of the Past
This policy is more than just a return to outdated military practices; it’s a clear example of how easily fear and bias can infiltrate institutions meant to serve and protect all Americans. By singling out transgender service members, the Department of Defense is not only undermining military cohesion but also violating the dignity and humanity of those who serve their country.
Pete Hegseth bluntly declared at a recent conference, “No more dudes in dresses,” emphasizing that this policy is less about military readiness and more about reinforcing a discriminatory agenda. The Supreme Court’s recent decision allowing enforcement of this ban has left thousands of transgender service members in a state of uncertainty, unsure of when, or if, they will be forced to leave the military.
It is crucial that allies, family members, and advocacy groups continue to support those affected by this harmful directive. The fight for equal rights within the military is far from over, and transgender service members deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, not targeted in a modern-day witch hunt.
