DAF recognizes Transgender Day of Visibility

  • Published
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning Initiatives Team (LIT) of the Department of the Air Force Barrier Analysis Working Group (DAFBAWG) highlighted and observed Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) on March 31. 
 
TDoV is an international awareness day dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments and victories of transgender and gender nonconforming people. In 2021, President Joe Biden issued the first presidential proclamation officially recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility, stating, “We honor and celebrate the achievements and resiliency of transgender individuals and communities.” 
 
The LIT is one of seven DAFBAWG teams chartered by the Department of the Air Force since March 2021. As a dedicated focus team, LIT identifies and develops solutions for LGBTQ+ Airmen and Guardians who face disproportionate barriers to success. 
 
“It is important for the LIT to recognize TDoV because hundreds of transgender Airmen and Guardians served under the strain and restriction of two separate bans, while remaining dedicated to our country and missions,” said Master Sgt. Jamie Hash, the LIT Transgender Policies co-lead. “Today is a day to step back and reflect on the obstacles the trans community has overcome, recognize the work left to do, while celebrating all transgender and non-binary DAF personnel who are serving and thriving as their authentic selves.” 
 
The Department of the Air Force remains dedicated to an inclusive environment where all Airmen and Guardians, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can thrive and be enabled to perform at their best to solve complex problem sets of the 21st century operating environment. 
 
Other LIT initiatives include working with other DAFBAWG teams on basing concerns, qualitative data collection and quantitative research, education and awareness, as well as medical policy review and amendment.

For information on the steps required for in-service transition, please see the fact sheet (Common Access Card required) on the AF Portal Transgender Policy page.