Public opinion largely supports the inclusion of transgender individuals in the Indian Armed Forces, highlighting a desire for equality, acceptance, and respect for rights. While many advocate for the recognition of their capabilities, concerns regarding operational readiness, medical implications, and existing discriminatory practices create a complex discussion.

Indian Armed Forces

Government policymakers

Anyone and everyone who wishes to defend their nation and has the physical and mental capabilities to do so should be allowed into the army.

There should be no segregation on such stupid basis so I would say W move.

[deleted]

Good move but standards should remain the same


What will the army do to provide any hormonal treatment a transperson might need on the battlefront? What happens to folks who had bottom surgeries? They require medical checkups and are prone to infection and this will become difficult to accommodate in front lines, thus relegating the folks to certain roles only. Does the army/taxpayer bear the cost of those transitioning while already enlisted? If a male soldier who was awarded a medal for gallantry transitions to female, then does that count as a medal awarded to a female member of the armed forces? Does the same logic apply to records in physical achievement like track/shooting records?

I am an armchair commentator and I can come up with these queries. A more qualified individual can ask 100x more questions. 

Of course any one who wants to serve can and should.  But the devil is in the details.

SnooSeagulls9348

as long as they can defend the nation who cares. and army will take care of that part with their fitness tests and the subsequent training after they qualify

Living-Maize6093

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/talks-on-in-armed-forces-on-possible-entry-of-transgenders-study-group-formed-9025524/

sixty9e

Good move. 
Difficult to implement. 
I hope they don't hurry under political pressure in a bid to get votes in 2024 elections. 

Let's see what guidelines will be issued, if any.

justamanhehe

As long as they're selected through rigorous test should be allowed. 

There shouldn't be seperate criteria for them to entry in armed forces.

Haven't Hijras and Eunuchs served in various armies in India as guards protecting palaces for thousands of years?

200HrSausage

Optimal-Dot-6138

Like it our not ghae killed rawat for this.

Mountain_Blueberry77

Why not? Everyone should be eligible if they meet the physical or mental requirements

Vitthal_1

godziii2007

Maybe... It shows progress and inclusivity.

Robin_mimix

Maturity is when you treat everyone as human, irrespective of gender. If any trans person is fit enough to qualify, then why not?

ZenphyriX

Good move tbh.  At least those kinnars won't be harrasing me anymore

Actually it can be good too in that way they won't be part of propaganda like they are in West 

They will be connected to army and country

Big-Cancel-9195

verot__kuhli

Sudden-Cold9022

have you seen some of the chakkas irl? they can fcuk me up and i am a 85 kgs 5'11 guy. of course they can join army if they meet the physical criteria , whats wrong with that.

mujhepehchano123

I do not find this proposal acceptable. 

The armed forces are a different organisation than other parts of the government, where the workforce can be altered in its composition to allow social benefits to trickle down to marginalized groups. 

The armed forces however, requires cohesion, camaraderie, highest medical, mental and intellectual standards, after all, they have a country to defend. 

A little known fact is that if a male, has had a medical history of being treated for a sexually transmitted disease, he is not allowed to join the armed forces, this rule would be considered arbitrary and untenable in the civilian world for employment (where people with STDs including HIV can't be legally discriminated against), but is considered an acceptable standard for recruitment into the army. What this shows us, is that generally the armed forces has stayed away from the politics of the heyday to maintain its ethos and standards, and holding true to that, I don't believe we are at the right place in time where we must make a decision like that. 

Police forces are accepting transgendered candidates, as well as many other civilian bodies and organisations, they have a much greater share in terms of vacancies and budgets, more efforts should be made to make these institutions more accessible for transgendered people.

A_Fashion_Mann

Good step as they can be stronger than woman in strength as well

shubhamjh4

SpecificKoala

Lmao the russian is thoroughly enjoying this

breadkiller7

Fun fact: Indian and Pakistani soldiers have fought alongside each other in the past. This usually happened in the Congo, where both operated under the UN flag. IAF Mi-17s often ferry Pakistani troops into action and extract them. The absence of a language barrier makes co-ordination a breeze. There was also one instance when a Pakistani patrol was ambushed and IAF Mi-35 attack helicopters were rushed in to provide air support.

Bernard_Woolley

NE6427

Russian guys face looks like a character from the original operation flashpoint game on pc.

FN9_

Looks like one of them is about to break out into song:

"Maaaamaaaaaaa!!!"

TheRebelPixel

the russian tank operator be looking like your custom character in a cutscene

shwarmaa_naman

Is it the indian guy packing a tavor? Didnt know that. Arent they doing ak again?

Perretelover

Russia looks like someone just told him he needs to participate or he’s going to get put in time out.

Russian guy looks like he’s related to Conan.

ohheyitsjuan

Wait, is China represented in this picture?

boognine

bylatboi765

Weird thing is that Indian soldier has Tavor Tar-21 rifle from Israel which Pakistan doesn't even recognize

reeshabh_jain

The Indian army camo stands out from all the rest.

casualphilosopher1

Which country is the guy in the far right from?

How thick was chinaman's helmet?  WTF was that thing suppose to stop a rifle round?

The_kid_with_no_name

You have every right to vent (though trans Soldiers, being humans like everyone else, need to submit their Wendy’s orders in the proper format). 

You have been made into a political punching bag, when you have the same complex motivations to serve as everyone else. 

It’s little solace, but history has a pretty weird non linear pattern, and nothing bad or good ever lasts forever. That gives me, personally, a healthy dose of both realism and hope. 

Remember that there is a sizable number of fellow Soldiers who love and value you, the grand majority don’t care either way because they don’t care about much at all, and only a few vocally support any of this nonsense. 

It’s not always going to feel like that though, because there’s deep programming for a lot of us to just shut up and drive on. That made the transition out of DADT surprisingly easy, but unfortunately the dark side of it is it will also make whatever comes out about trans servicemembers easy as well.

-Meta-

You sound like a Soldier that just wants to do your job and be left alone. 

I hope you make it through these next 4 years intact. 

I'm sorry your real life is a political punching bag.

mophilda

I was in during the "illegal" days into "Don't ask Don't Tell". As long as you were a good soldier, had my back, and wernt a sloppy fuck, I had zero problems with whoever wanted to serve. This stuff now is horse shit.

Baldmanbob1

&gt;I have served my country honorably for four years as a SGT, but I see others like me get shit on every day in the media.

You have more backbone than the dementia-addled geriatrics saying that you can’t serve…who NEVER served themselves.

Trolls downvoting every supportive comment, but they can’t actually refute anything, and they’re too cowardly to say anything. No surprise there.

Acceptable-Bat-9577

The back and forth on this over the last three administrations has to be frustrating. I would think the 2020 Bostock ruling, with the majority opinion written by Kavanaugh and joined by Chief Justice Roberts, would render the Executive Order moot. But it'll have to be litigated, unfortunately.

drjjoyner

Your job or mission hasn’t changed. You’re an NCO. Continue to take care of your soldiers. Don’t get caught up in the media’s pursuit for views and likes. The mission hasn’t changed. Be the NCO your soldiers can look up to.

No-Parfait-2814

A question I ask people - "if being trans were a choice, why the hell would anyone choose it?"

From what I've seen, you folks have to deal with a lot of stupid shit from ignorant jackasses. Anyone who thinks trans people have easy lives has never been around any trans folks.

Coro-NO-Ra

Stupid question- does the army know whether or not you are trans? As far as the army is concerned, you have either a male or female in DEERS. 

Like if I was a company commander and an order came down saying to chapter all trans soldiers, I could just say “no trans soldiers here. I just have X males and Y females.”

yoolers_number

I (59M) served back in 1984 before that abomination of DADT. I’m straight and was friends with a few gay or lesbian soldiers. In fact one woman I knew was our unit’s soldier of the quarter. I didn’t give a rat’s ass who they slept with. Could they do their job and carry their own weight? More power to them. 

I was friends with one guy at my mechanized infantry unit. I suspected he was gay but naturally wouldn’t say anything. It wasn’t my place. One day he said to me, “I have to tell you something and I hope it doesn’t ruin our friendship. I’m gay.” I told him, “Ok. So you want to get pizza tonight?” He asked, “It doesn’t bother you?” I said, “No as long as you don’t try anything with me in the showers,” and smiled to let him know I was just kidding with him. He responded, “Don’t worry about it. You’re not my type.”  I told him I was both relieved and insulted that he didn’t think I was cute enough. 

I want this country to come to its freaking senses. You want to serve and are able to do the job? I don’t give a shit if you’re transitioning into a fucking werewolf.

erie774im

First I'm hearing about an executive order banning Trans Soldiers from serving, but sadly not shocking at all.  I've worked with a handful of Trans Soldiers (both MTF and FTM) and have had zero issues or complaints about working with a single one of them. Same for my counterparts working alongside anyone like that. What is going on is wildly wrong and I hope you continue to serve, knowing (hopefully) that this too shall pass, but that feels easier said than done in this very infant administration.

Zonkoholic

legion_XXX

You know, I was a Co. Cdr twice. It is so friggin' hard to find all the good soldiers you need. My second unit, we were \*always\* under strength. What does that mean? SSG's can't do their job, because the platoons had to be all massed together. So, there were just so many squad leader positions to go around. Even in my full strength company, we had just too many dirtbags. We spent so much time on the bad soldiers. .... And, here's a solider, who is a little different, who \*wants\* to serve. Jesus f'ing Christ. Where are our priorities??

tjcoffice

You’ll note the shitbirds downvoting folks giving support are too scared to out themselves by posting a comment.

You have my support and the support of my wife. I know that probably doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things. Just know you’re not alone.

19Fatboy22

The biggest issue isn’t with you being trans. Most service members don’t care. The issue comes on making sure you are actually deployable and the accessibility of attaining the medication you need while deployed. The second comes from the cost of actually transitioning and the expense on the tax payer. 

I personally have served alongside a trans soldier and they were a dope ass individual, but they were sent overseas and had problems getting the medication so was sent back to the states because of that. It forced us to change mission requirements and abilities to deal with our already short number of personnel. 

The other issue is say they can’t send you back from overseas. What are the adverse effects on you physically and mentally, and how will that affect the ability for yourself and those around you to accomplish what needs to be done? 

This hasn’t even gone over cost for care, treatment, time of treatment, time of non deployability, cost of training and providing for a non deployable soldier, cost of transporting an improperly deployed non deployable soldier. 

There is also the issue of standards maintenance in regard to passing requirements such as physical fitness, school requirements, and so on. 

While I admire your will to serve, I just think there are too many variables that negatively impact the overall goal of the military with keeping trans soldiers in the service. Like I said respect to you for wanting to serve. Wish you nothing but the best moving forward as things begin to play out.

Careless-Monk-4365

I support you and wish you nothing but the best. The military should never be a political thing - but unfortunately it is. Anybody that meets the standards should be able to serve. 

Trump has decided the people that refused the COVID vaccine should be reinstated, with back pay. Maybe you will get the same windfall in 4 years.

Chris-Campbell

One of my best medics is a trans woman. Honestly worried for her.

alelan

Fuck it, I’ll face UCMJ since everyone wants to call us cowards for not being in the Reddit hive mind.

Preface: I respect everyone’s personal decisions and what I’m about to say is specifically about the military and not society. Furthermore these are my own opinions and do not reflect my unit or command. My experience comes from combat arms which may be different from other MOS.

Statement:  Since joining the Army a little over a year and a half ago everybody I’ve ever met has held the opinion that there are only 3 genders (male, female, and intersex) and that trans people are generally referred to as unstable. I know this because most people I’ve met talk openly about these things because of how controversial these topics have been. 

Explanation: You have to understand that the ideals of transgenderism are exceptionally new to our society especially from a mainstream point of view. If someone believes that they were born into the wrong body despite physiological, hormonal, and genetic development, and the majority don’t subscribe to these ideas, then how are they to believe your judgment on life or death situations? (I could include a multitude of stats in that point but I’ll spare it). Despite what the internet leads us to believe, the majority of our society isn’t on board yet and that’s why they don’t trust their lives to people with those ideals. 

Sergeant, I understand where you are coming from but wanted to explain where the majority are coming from.

Takelsey

I honestly am of the opinion that I could care less who you are, or what you want to be. All I care about is that you stood to serve this country when 98% of the population won’t.

I’m sorry for what might happen. I appreciate your service, honesty I do. I hope that whatever happens, its easy for you and your family. I’m sorry that you have to undergo such scrutiny in a time like this, just when you want to serve your country.

Leadrel1c

As a service connected disabled vet, father of 2 afghan vets and a father of a trans daughter(not a vet). You have my support. 
Contact a non maga-congress person. They may or may not be useful. Contact the ACLU, they may or may not help. Starting a paper trail of support could help.

I know this message might not be all that useful but people will have your back.

Hey troop. As a former company commander who had trans troops in my ranks I just want to say I appreciate your willingness to raise your hand, and your desire to do your job. 

Fuck the haters and don’t give up shit til it’s written in doctrine. Even then find a friendly JAG and fight it like mad.

StarlightLifter

Why combat and deployability are being cited as some kind of universal standard to apply here is just an empty and uninformed take. The vast majority of jobs in the US military are non-combat. Maybe as much as 80%. And a huge subset of those are stateside positions with no reason to ever deploy.

tccomplete

I wonder what happened if someone got chaptered out for not taking the vaccine, but then had a gender affirming surgery while out, are they still allowed back in with back pay and full benefits?

IPPSA

Cis man here, but you have my support. Trans rights are human rights, and you’re a better person than the screaming republicans who can’t see without hatred.

Duncan6794

You're not wrong tho. Trans SM have gotten raw deals in the military. I have a trans soldier in my company and helping her navigate the red tape of everything has been a headache and it doesn't even effect me directly. 

Another FtM Soldier had it MUCH worse where people didn't support them and their PSG outright said that if they saw the trans soldier ask a dress or girl clothes that they'd never call the Soldier a male again. It's tragic that people are like this

specialagent0s0

If you can show up, be a good soldier, and do your job….. NOTHING ELSE SHOULD MATTER. Doesn’t matter if you are straight, gay, bi, trans, white, black, Hispanic, I don’t care if your fucking purple… if you perform your job and are a good soldier nothing else should matter. I’m sorry you’re going through this.

jkon38s

Many people in this country simply aren’t qualified to serve. Heaps of good soldiers are forced out all the time.

SnooFoxes8306

It shouldn't matter what makes up the identity of any one individual, but instead their merits and virtues that show them who they are, that is what I believe. Through this, can there be true social value for each other.

Instead, due to the machinations of the past, we have people who believe utter nonsense. Even provided with contextual reasoning, reasoning that proves to people that what their being spoonfed is utter crap. However as was stated that due to that plotting, people believe utterly and wholly the lies and propaganda, and now we've reached the point of ignorance that has been shown to lead nations down a horrible road.

I feel the betrayal that you are suffering, as many of us are. Many of us did not sacrifice so fucking much to see the nation we stood to protect, be created into such a hateful and spiteful one. I hope that someday, hopefully pretty soon, everyone can see past the thin veil of bullshit and realize that the people they wanted in power were nothing more than liars and frauds, and I hope that builds a road of acceptance for all of us. Hate will continue, but hopefully, empathy will give in, and a road of acceptance and understanding can be built.

[P.S. sorry for the long rant, I'm sleep deprived.]

bansheehallows

I'd rather see them crack down on soldiers not meeting height &amp; weight requirements and can't pass an ACFT. Part of being a soldier is the ability to perform your job duties under combat conditions. Your gender doesn't stop that. 

Politics in the military needs to stop. There are more important things to focus on.

FoxTheForce-5

I'm a trans man. I'm trying to just be thankful that the Army even gave me the opportunity to transition at all. And to be thankful for all the peers and leaders who have treated me with kindness and respect. It's easier than mourning my career being potentially cut short after almost 9 years.

I knew it would be bad, but I didn't think it would be this bad. 

I have no advice, only solidarity.

hyraxBox

Not going to lie as a 11b vet I say this with as little disrespect as possible it’s no place for it in the military. My unit had one of the first trans soldiers they and it made the entire company so uncomfortable that person was moved to s1. We didn’t pick or anything everyone just felt the vibe. I say this saying you have every right to be you but the military has to keep battle ready and I just don’t see how it can be done needing the meds and operations

Free_Engineering8816

I've been out for almost 5 years now, but I think it's absolutely ridiculous that they want to ban people who are willing and able to serve

dacevedo11

You still have more guts to actually serve than the people ranting

EducationalCod2025

cis and straight man here- you have my support. I do not agree at all what this new administration is doing to trans rights. A lot of these idiots haven’t even served. And a lot of the ones that have are part of the problem the military has had with homophobia/ sexual assault/ etc etc… all soldiers who do their job/ duty should be treated with respect.

LauraPalmer1349

I cannot imagine, but I appreciate every step you’ve taken so far, sister.

rabidus11Z

You deserve respect and we salute you for your service 🫡

Warm_Confusion_2337

I have a trans soldier under my command (I will not give any details on them) and they are unironically one of my most high speed soldiers. It will destroy them if this goes through.  I know this goes without saying but you are not alone and I pray you have a leader who will advocate for you. 

What the hell does it matter what you or they call themselves so long as y’all can do the job. You have just as much a right to serve as me.

AdorableSection1898

Fuck the haters. 

If you got my back and you can do your job, you’re solid in my book. I wish that this timeline were different, but apparently, we’re — *going through some things*….

J33f

I had a FTM transgender soldier as a company commander. He was an incredible soldier who could pass male standards of APFT/ACFT and ETS’ed a few years ago as a SSG. His spouse is actually an officer now too. 

We need more great soldiers like yourself and I wish you the best with your future. If you decide this is no longer a safe time to serve, then we are the failures as a country and not you.

kirchart7

Fuck those clowns for putting you down instead of building you up

HotTakesBeyond

Hey you're good people. Don't let these shitheads define your life because there's nothing more iconic than the army turning on good people. This is just another chapter that you'll work through.

hobblingcontractor

As a foreigner, sorry for my lack of knowledge, i didn't see anything in the news here: Wait, what? They are now banning transgender soldiers there in the USA? Seriously? That's fucked up. That is crazy.

I hope you can still get through this somehow, i don't know, guess the guys here in the sub have more detailed answers about the rights, constitution etc.

In my country, the only thing we have about transgender is that a male-to-female does not exclude one from conscription. Even when you through the full transition, you still have to serve. This is the same for other countries, even those who have no more conscription, like Germany, in the case of a war. So it is more the opposite of what is going on in the USA right now.

I wish you the best for this, that you are somehow able to continue to serve, that the political situation changes again, that you have a good life there in the future.

Don't let anyone tell you, you'd not be worth it. Both as a human and a soldier. Don't let anyone stop you.

Despite being a foreigner, i salute you and thank you for your service.

Diacetyl-Morphin

I honestly couldnt give a single fuck what you are as long as you shoot straight and can carry me if I'm hit and vis versa. Keep the able body good soldiers who want to be there and discharge the old fat ones

Im not a soldier. Just a civilian. Let me tell you something.  You served. Literally the majority of the entire country has not. The president making the executive order has not. You served your country more than anyone telling you that you can't. Justice isn't always served as it should be but you served us, the entire nation, even those who hate you, and you are a great, respectable American and Human being for doing that and it can never be taken from you. The shit bags will continue to talk their shit but the real human beings, great and respectable as you with real humanity in them, will see you for all that you truly are and appreciate all that you have done and will continue to do. 

You've done more for the nation than most of the population even cares to try.

Real recognizes real and greats appreciates greats.

Thank you for your service

headcheese42

Our senior leadership and current administration blow. Sorry that you're being treated this way for political capital. If they boot you, try and make sure you squeeze every penny out of the VA. Also, all the trolls and jerks who can't seem to understand you didn't choose this life, it's just who you are, can get bent.

Edit: you're a person and you exist and have every right to exist like everyone else. Don't forget that.

Ralphwiggum911

I’m sorry that so many in this country are turning their backs on you despite what you’ve done for the country. 

I’m sorry that an inordinate number of vile, dull bigots have determined their sole function in their otherwise insignificant lives is to make your life hell for no reason. 

You deserve so much better. 

Please know that others support you. You’re valid. You matter. Your service to this nation matters.

jediwinetrick

Hang in there sister, you are worth more than all those jerks combined

RogueFox76

HazelTheRah

My condolences, you deserve better than the political climate we’re in, I hate how Christianity has been weaponized against a small minority of people, especially those in uniform like yourself. Unfortunately I can’t change trump’s mind either, my PMs are open for what it’s worth. I can at least offer you an ear to vent to. 

The best advise I can offer you is keep your head up and live your best life in spite of our current president, take the lessons you learned from the military and carry them with you into the civilian world.

Edit: If your downvoting me you’re the problem with this country right now.

farretcontrol

Even despite all the hate i’ve seen in this thread, my heart is happy seeing all the support that you’re getting on here. 

I’m sorry about this friend. I’m sorry that you and those alike are being made to feel as though your service wasn’t worthy enough. It’s genuinely not fair and it genuinely disgusts me to see this organization going backwards instead of forwards. 

As a cisgender female NCO, I wanna advocate and support my sisters in arms especially during this time. Please don’t ever think that your sacrifices were for nothing. You put on the uniform just like the rest of us, you’re just as much our sister as anyone else.

Necessary-Name-7395

It's bullshit. Someones gender or sexual identity has nothing to do with whether or not they crush it at work. I'm sorry. It's lame as fuck.

Willisator

Honestly, it’s such fucking bullshit! I wish there was more that I could do, I served with one the first openly trans soldiers in the Army. I was proud to serve with them, they were a top tier soldier, earned their way among the ranks, and sacrificed a lot for our country. It really pisses me off to see all this happen after the trail they blazed.

honeybunny14328

A Delhi High Court case involving a transgender Navy officer's dismissal raises important questions about rights and recognition for transgender personnel in the military.

Transgender Rights in the Indian Armed Forces

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