Air Force Transgender Members Sue Over Lost Retirement Benefits
A group of 17 transgender Air Force members is suing the U.S. government over the revocation of their early retirement pensions and benefits, a move the plaintiffs say is unlawful. The lawsuit follows the Air Force’s decision to deny early retirement to transgender service members with 15-18 years of service, separating them without benefits. This action, potentially costing affected service members up to $2 million in lifetime earnings and health insurance, is part of a larger trend of policies targeting transgender troops. The Pentagon has not commented, but officials have noted 4,240 troops have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, an identifier of being transgender.
John Q. Hosedrinker