U.S. to officially recognize trans & non-binary veterans’ genders
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) announced that gender selections on paperwork will now include the options of transgender female, transgender male, non-binary, and other.
Military
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs grants all benefits to those discharged under ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
Veterans who were discharged because of their gender identity, sexual orientation or HIV status will now receive the full range of veterans’ benefits including home loan guaranty, pension benefits, health care, and more.
Indonesian army ends ‘two-finger’ virginity tests on female recruits
The New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) conducted investigations into the practice in 2014, 2015 and 2017, with experts labeling the tests abusive, unscientific and discriminatory.
U.S. military to release new trans-inclusive policies to reverse Trump’s military ban
The measures will allow service members to access gender-affirming health care, among other provisions.
Senate passes veto-proof bill that removes Confederate names from Army bases
President Donald Trump has threatened to veto a version that renames the military bases, but that looks less likely after the Senate passed its version 86 to 14, well above the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto.
Pentagon issues de facto ban on Confederate flag at U.S. military bases
Defense Secretary Mark Esper has issued a policy ushering in a de facto ban on displaying the Confederate flag at U.S. military installations around the world by authorizing only certain flags that promote unity.
Female US Army soldier makes history by becoming the first woman to become a Green Beret
In a major achievement for women in the armed forces, a soldier became the US Army’s first female Green Beret Thursday, US Army Special Operations Command announced.
Madeline Swegle makes history as US Navy’s 1st Black female fighter pilot
The U.S. Navy celebrated a historic moment this week as it announced Lt. j.g. Madeline Swegle was set to become its first Black female tactical fighter pilot. Swegle has earned her wings as a U.S. Navy fighter pilot and will receive her “Wings of Gold” in late July.
All-female crew embarks on Black Sea patrol in first for Russian Navy
The voyage marks a symbolic step in Russian women’s quest to play a more active role in the armed forces, an institution dominated by men. The navy still holds barriers to entry for women.
Landmark ruling grants women equal rights in Indian army
The judgment, seen as a landmark decision for the Indian military, means that all women will now be eligible for the same promotions, ranks, benefits and pensions as their male counterparts, irrespective of their years of service or whether they had retired.