Researching Inclusive Policy
The Palm Center conducted extensive research to build the intellectual case for inclusive military policy, investigating all aspects of LGBTQ military service in the US and in allied nations and assessing the impact both of having service bans and of replacing them with inclusive policies. We conducted original research in-house, supported the scholarship of academic and military colleagues, and authored reports, memos, explainers, and data analyses all designed to inform the public and policymakers of what the facts say about LGBTQ military service.
Leveraging rigorous, multi-method approaches in our research and frequently publishing our results in top peer-reviewed journals, we shared our findings even when they did not align with inclusive policy. We found it useful to continually iterate a single, broad message when possible: that research shows that inclusive service does not harm military readiness while discrimination does.
Below are examples of Palm’s most impactful research. The full collection remains available throughout our website.
DoD’s Transgender Ban Has Harmed Military Readiness, November 22, 2020
DoD’s Rationale for Reinstating the Transgender Ban Is Contradicted by Evidence, May 4, 2018
Discharging Transgender Troops Would Cost $960 Million, August 2017
Caring for Our Transgender Troops — The Negligible Cost of Transition-Related Care, August 12, 2015 (New England Journal of Medicine)
Medical Aspects of Transgender Military Service, 2015 (Armed Forces & Society)
One Year Out: An Assessment of DADT Repeal’s Impact on Military Readiness, September 20, 2012
Unfriendly Fire (excerpt), March 18, 2009 (New York Times)
Financial Analysis of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”: How much does the gay ban cost?, February 2006 (Blue Ribbon Commission)
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: Is the Gay Ban Based on Military Necessity?, 2003 (Parameters)