The Australian Defence Forces have cancelled a policy that discharged transgender people, now allowing trans* personnel to serve under better conditions.
Chief of the Defence Force Angus Houston announced the end of the policy in September, although it had been removed since June 1 for being ‘out of date’.
It is understood that the ADF was the last government agency to dismiss people for transitioning gender.
The policy change was sparked by an enlisted ADF member who was discharged for transitioning since gender identity disorder was still listed on the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), Sydney Star Observer reported.
An ADF spokesperson told OUTinPerth the ADF member is still employed by the armed forces and that the former policy was unclear.
‘The instruction did not provide clear guidance that personnel, managers and supervisors could follow to assist in the management and support of transitioning transgender ADF personnel,’ they said.
‘Due to the complexities of the subject, it was more prudent to cancel the existing policy and implement interim arrangements until such time as a full review could be completed.’
The temporary arrangement will remain in place until the completion of the review, expected by the end of 2010.
The ADF spokesperson said transgender issues were being managed in accordance with the broader principles of their diversity policy on a case-by-case basis.
Information worker Katherine Cummings from the Gender Centre in NSW said the policy revision was a welcomed change.
‘People who had set their lives serving in the Armed Forces were disadvantaged by a policy which discriminated against them in a way other employers in Australia are not allowed to do,’ Cummings said.
‘It has been detrimental to the people who intended to make a career in the forces and were thrown out because they revealed the fact or someone found out.’
Cummings said the policy, beginning in 2000, may have been introduced since gender identity disorder was still listed as a mental disorder in the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
However, she expected gender identity disorder to be removed from DSM 5, due to be released in 2013.
A number of countries have been allowing trans* and intersex people to serve in the defence forces; the British Armed Forces have reportedly paid for some transitioning costs, according to Cummings.
Cummings said she hoped the new policy would ensure the ADF helped transgender personnel into their new role in the forces.
‘I would like to see people be more respectful and compassionate… and the process be made as easy as can be when put into a unit,’ she said.
Benn Dorrington
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