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Are there 15,000 transgender people serving in the US military?

President Trump says transgender individuals cannot serve, but how many do already?

President Trump recently announced that the US Government "will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. military." This provoked criticism from Congressman Mark Pocan who said that there were 15,000 transgender people serving in the military today. That number was widely reported – but is it true?

Presenter and Producer: Charlotte McDonald

(image: US Joint Service Honor Guard, Washington DC. Credit: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

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9 minutes

Last on

Tue 15 Aug 2017 01:50GMT
BBC World Service except News Internet

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    BBC World Service except News Internet
  • Tue 15 Aug 2017 01:50GMT
    BBC World Service except News Internet

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