Transgender Individuals and the Military: Fighting For Equality

Gays in the military has been a hot topic in the media recently, resulting in the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" which now allows gays and lesbians to serve in the military openly.  In Las Vegas recently, the first session of the OutServe Armed Forces Leadership Summit was held where active-duty military personnel were able to openly discuss the progress that has been made since the repeal of DADT and the work that still needs to be done in the quest for equality in the military.
Among the topics discussed, were repealing the Defense of Marriage Act, which bars the recognition of same-sex marriages; working towards the Pentagon's agreement to partner benefits, which are not currently offered; and conduct that is deemed discriminatory within the ranks as well as bringing attention to the many contributions made by gay and lesbian personnel; last, but certainly not least, working to convince the Pentagon to change the rules in place which prevent transgender people from serving.
By far, discrimination against those transgender individuals who wish to serve their country is currently the most sensitive issue within the military's LGBT community and of all the workshop sessions held at the OutServe summit, was the only one which summit coordinators insisted be off the record for the media.  The repeal of DADT didn't cover those individuals who have had aw gender reassignment surgery or identify with the opposite gender.  While there is no explicitly written document from the Pentagon prohibiting the acceptance of transgender individuals into the military, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) considers transgender individuals to be suffering from Gender Identity Disorder, constituting a medical disqualification from service.
OutServe must appeal to the senses of the American Psychiatric Association.  The key to success in the area of transgender service is held by the APA.  In 1973, the association faced a similar situation, resulting in the removal of homosexuality as a medical disorder.  This overturn yielded the results necessary to topple a key barrier to military service.  The APA is currently revising its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V); the new version is due in May 2013.  Advocates for transgender rights are working to have their condition reclassified, so that under specific conditions transgender individuals would be eligible to serve in the military.  If this diagnostic label can be removed, it would open the doors of service to those who have been locked out for far too long.  Though OutServe is hesitant to openly discuss its agenda, they are working diligently to strategize and mobilize a plan of action to educate people prior to making their case to the public and the Pentagon.