The U.S. Air Force has announced it will deny early retirement options and retirement benefits to all transgender service members who have served between 15 and 18 years  and are being separated from service under the Trump administration’s trans military ban policy.  

Transgender service members in the U.S. Air Force will now be faced with the choice of either taking a lump-sum separation payment offered to junior troops or be removed from service. 

The San Diego LGBT Community Center remains committed to our transgender community and we have coordinated with CalVet to host a California Transition Assistance Program (CalTAP) workshop at The Center on August 18, 2025, from 9am to 1pm. This workshop, historically only provided on military bases, will bring critical CalVET resources to an LGBTQ-affirming space to inform and connect folks exiting military service to their earned federal and state benefits, provide continued support and assistance, and provide information specifically for transgender and nonbinary service members and veterans. All LGBTQ+ service members and allies are welcome. 

This decision from the U.S. Air Force is yet another targeted attack against trans and nonbinary people and an unjust betrayal of the government’s promise to support service members who have dedicated years to serving their country with honor. Trans service members deserve better, and we will continue to fight for our community’s rights and dignity.