LGBTQ+, Military Secretary of Defense Ash Carter Announces Policy for Transgender Service Members by Press on June 30, 2016 Press Author More in LGBTQ+: Heteronormativity: Grappling with Straight Privilege March 24, 2026 Christianity has long revered saints who would be called ‘transgender’ today May 28, 2025 Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame Announces 2024 Inductees August 1, 2024 Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–June 30, 2016. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter today announced that transgender individuals will now be able to openly serve in the U.S. armed forces.