Navy allows voluntary separation for transgender sailors

The U.S. Navy announced on March 13 that sailors with a diagnosis or history of gender dysphoria can voluntarily separate from service. This change aligns with a policy recognizing only male and female sexes, and waivers may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Sailors who choose to separate will receive full pay and benefits during the process and will not have to repay education benefits. They have until March 28 to request separation, as outlined in a document from the acting secretary of the Navy. This decision follows President Trump's Executive Order 14168, which reverses the previous administration's policy allowing transgender individuals to serve openly. The Navy will not actively identify those with gender dysphoria, and new applicants with a history of gender-related treatments will be disqualified.