SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Aaron Belkin, director of the Palm Center, released the following statement in response to the Defense Department’s publication of an implementation handbook to support transgender military members, who have been permitted to serve openly and honestly since the June 30 end to the ban.

“The military’s continued progress in integrating transgender service members is a tribute to core principles and values. It’s simple: encourage the most capable Americans to defend the nation; apply the same standards and expectations to all; and support every service member with medically necessary care. The new guidance that the Pentagon issued last week is another step in enhancing readiness.”