What the Supreme Court’s Ruling on Trans Troops Means for Equality and Service

This week, the Supreme Court gave the green light to a deeply harmful policy: allowing the Trump administration to move forward with banning transgender individuals from serving in the military. If you’re feeling disheartened, angry, exhausted—or all three—you’re not alone.

The ruling means the Department of Defense can now discharge service members who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and prevent transgender people from enlisting altogether. This includes active-duty service members who have already transitioned or are in the process, forcing them to identify themselves and begin separation within weeks. The military is even planning to comb through medical records to root out those who haven’t yet self-reported.

It’s cruel. It’s invasive. And it’s not about readiness. Let’s be honest: this isn’t about creating a stronger military—it’s about institutionalizing discrimination and pushing trans people further into the margins.

What’s infuriating is that we’ve already seen this play out. We saw the same ban during Trump’s first term. We saw it repealed under Biden. And now, in a depressing return to form, it’s back. For those who’ve served—and are still serving—while trans, this policy isn’t theoretical. It’s about their livelihood, their health, their privacy, their safety.

One line from my own partner (an entrepreneur who knows a thing or two about living in uncertain terrain) has been rattling around in my head this week: “What did you expect?” And he’s right—on some level, we did expect this. But that doesn’t make it easier to swallow. Especially when so many people I care about, work with, or advocate for are being told—again—that they’re not worthy of serving the country they love.

This ruling also doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of a broader political strategy that’s been ramping up for years—attacking trans kids, banning gender-affirming care, targeting healthcare providers, and now, pushing trans adults out of military service. It’s all connected. And if it feels like a slippery slope, that’s because it is.

To my queer, trans, and nonbinary friends and clients: I see you. Your existence is not up for debate. Your service is not a “disruption.” You do not need to apologize for being here, and you sure as hell don’t need to justify your right to serve, thrive, or simply exist with dignity.

And to allies who are watching this unfold—don’t look away. Speak up. Donate. Challenge it. This fight is far from over.

We don’t make progress by being silent. We make it by refusing to let fear and ignorance speak louder than truth and justice.