Major Kara Corcoran, 39, has served in the U.S. Army for 17 years. Just days from graduating from an elite military leadership program, she faced an unexpected directive from the Pentagon, mandating that she adhere to male regulations. This included cutting her long blonde hair and donning male attire, despite identifying as a woman since 2018. "Nothing about me is a man, but we're going to force me into male regs just so I can walk across the stage with my peers,” Kara stated, highlighting her emotional turmoil as she prepared for her graduation.
Kara's experience epitomizes the plight faced by many transgender service members following a ban reinstated by President Trump earlier this year, which prohibits all transgender individuals from serving in any capacity within the military. Official defenses argue that a diagnosis of gender dysphoria disqualifies service members from the mental and physical standards necessary for military readiness. There are approximately 4,200 known transgender personnel in the armed forces, though estimates suggest the real number may be as high as 10,000.
Critics of the ban, now in full effect, label it discriminatory and have initiated multiple legal challenges on behalf of affected troops. Over the years, the treatment of transgender individuals within the military has fluctuated — from allowing open service under Obama in 2016 to bans under Trump, revived in 2025. Presently, legal battles undertaken by groups and individuals seek to challenge this shift, which critics argue undermines the dignity and service of these troops.
Since beginning her transition, Kara has married and built a life in the military, serving in combat positions before her transition. She emphasizes how her transition has enhanced her effectiveness and resilience as a service member, contrary to claims that such changes constitute a liability. However, with the recent policy now dictating separation procedures for those with gender dysphoria, Kara is faced with the threat of losing her position involuntarily.
The impact of the ban ripples beyond Kara, affecting countless others within the military community. Lt. Rae Timberlake, a Navy officer and non-binary individual, is similarly navigating the uncertain landscape. After anticipating the return of discriminatory policies following Trump's election victory, Rae and their family transitioned to a new location for support, as they faced impending separation from the service.
As political tensions continue to rise, Rae has applied for retirement to regain some control over their future while grappling with the emotional and financial implications of leaving a career built over years.
Meanwhile, the Department of Defense asserts that the ban adheres to maintaining standardized readiness within the military, a claim met with opposition from civil rights groups. Legal challenges are underway, with courts grappling with the constitutionality of the policy.
As a poignant reminder of the realities faced by transgender military personnel, Kara continues her service while adapting to the limits imposed by the new policy. Despite this, she remains determined not to leave voluntarily, prepared to confront the challenges of possible involuntary separation head-on. "This is about people who’ve dedicated their lives to service, now being told they’re no longer fit, not because of performance, but because of who they are," she articulated, summing up the struggles faced by many.
