The Selective Service recently published a Tweet with information about who must register for the draft. The comment section revealed the Tweet was generally panned, but some noticed the link contained information about requirements involving transgendered Americans. Although this information is not new, many were displeased with what they found.
According to the US Selective Service System:
“US citizens or immigrants who are born male and changed their gender to female are still required to register. Individuals who are born female and changed their gender to male are not required to register.”
Parents, if your son is an only son and the last male in your family to carry the family name, he is still required to register with SSS. Learn more about who needs to register at https://t.co/GYbRK99c09. pic.twitter.com/tzW6uKkyl5
— Selective Service (@SSS_gov) October 7, 2022
This revelation has received a measure of criticism in online public forums. Specifically, for seemingly being at odds with President Biden’s support for transgender identity.
“The All-Volunteer Force thrives when it is composed of diverse Americans who can meet the rigorous standards for military service, and an inclusive military strengthens our national security.
It is my conviction as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces that gender identity should not be a bar to military service.” -President Biden via Executive Order
Many have criticized the policy as “transphobic,” but several different reasonings have been cited.
Some pointed to 2020 when transgender rights activist Mara Keisling stated, “Congress should either eliminate the Selective Service System or follow the commission’s recommendation that it be completely gender neutral.”
Other opponents criticized it as being another obstacle in the road of true equality. Additionally, some supporters of women being required to register for the draft also weighed in calling the verbiage “archaic.”
