The U.S. military’s decision to ban transgender service members has left many in limbo, forcing them to choose between voluntary departure or risking involuntary separation. Among those affected is Chase Humes, a 25-year-old Navy sailor who has been taking testosterone for the past seven years. Humes, stationed in San Diego, recently received approval for his voluntary separation from the Navy, a decision he made in to avoid involuntary discharge.
Humes is one of at least 1,000 service members who have chosen to leave the military voluntarily rather than face the uncertainty of the new policy. His decision ensures an honorable discharge preserving his access to crucial benefits like Veterans Affairs healthcare. However, not all transgender service members will have the same certainty, prompting the introduction of a new California bill aimed at supporting those who may receive less than honorable discharges.
Navigating the Aftermath of the Military Ban
The military’s ban on transgender service members, announced in, has created a wave of uncertainty. The policy, part of President Donald Trump’s Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness order, asserts that gender dysphoria and the use of pronouns different from one’s biological sex are inconsistent with the military’s standards for readiness and cohesion. This order rescinded President Joe Biden’s policy permitting open service by transgender individuals.
Following the January 27, 2026 order, a series of legal challenges ensued, with some cases still ongoing. Last month, a federal appeals court ruled that Trump’s ban was likely unconstitutional, allowing a group of 28 plaintiffs to continue serving while their case proceeds. Despite this, transgender troops faced a difficult choice: leave voluntarily or risk being found out and involuntarily separated from the forces.
The Impact on Transgender Service Members
For many transgender service members, the decision to leave the military is fraught with emotional and practical challenges. Chase Humes and his wife, for instance, have been searching for jobs near his dad’s house outside Houston, as they cannot afford to start their life in San Diego. “The whole reason I joined was for a better future for myself and my family, and it just got torn away,” Humes said, reflecting the sentiments of many affected by the policy.
The Department of Defense estimates that about 4,200 transgender service members have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and could be subject to the policy. Advocates suggest the actual number could exceed 15,000, according to a 2014 UCLA study. This discrepancy highlights the need for comprehensive support for those affected.
California’s Legislative Response
In response to the military’s ban, California Assemblymember Chris Ward introduced Assembly Bill 1775. This legislation aims to assist transgender service members who may receive less than honorable discharges for hiding their identity. The bill seeks to restore access to services and support for those who have served honorably but face discrimination due to the new policy.
Kat Koehlmoos, a board member for SPARTA Pride and an advocate for transgender service members, emphasized the importance of the bill. Koehlmoos, who served in active duty for eight years and is now in the Army Reserve, noted that the military chain of command does not know she is transgender. “Anyone could use my testimony today to report me to the Army Reserves here, and they would be required to take action to involuntarily discharge me from the U.S. military,” she told lawmakers during a hearing on the legislation.
Lessons from the Past
The bill’s supporters are concerned that the federal government might replicate the actions taken during the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which allowed gay, lesbian, and bisexual troops to serve if they concealed their sexual orientation. Some 2,000 troops were given less than honorable discharges under this policy, and were shut out of some veterans’ benefits, according to a class action lawsuit settled in 2026.
Koehlmoos anticipates that some people who are involuntarily separated under the 2026 transgender ban may face additional charges, such as falsifying records or lying on federal documents. If this happens in California, Ward’s bill would help those individuals qualify for expedited professional licensing in civilian careers like contracting and nursing, as well as prioritize them for discharge upgrades and support services.
The Road Ahead
As Chase Humes prepares to leave San Diego, the fate of Assembly Bill 1775 remains uncertain. The legislation has cleared policy committees in both houses and awaits a hearing in the Senate appropriations committee. The bill would also require the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs to create a new housing and supportive services grant for veterans, although the budget signed by Governor Gavin Newsom does not include funding for this program.
Instead, the budget directs $2 million toward the state’s existing Veteran’s Military Discharge Upgrade Grant Program, which provides legal assistance for veterans fighting for a discharge upgrade. Despite this, the moment remains stressful for most transgender troops, who face a range of challenges, from voluntary removal to living in fear of being found out.
For Koehlmoos, the heartbreaking reality is that some service members may delay or never transition because of the federal government’s ban. “For me that’s heartbreaking, because that really is putting your life on hold,” she said, highlighting the profound impact of the policy on transgender service members.
