Lauren Hodges

new guidance was put out that listed gender dysphoria as a disqualifying standard for service.

Having obtained the diagnosis as instructed, Corcoran was identified for removal, along with thousands of others.

The Trump administration has argued that this is necessary for mission readiness, cost issues, and unit cohesion.

Corcoran pushes back.

W.

is a transgender woman who serves in the Navy.

She has asked to only go by an initial because she's, quote, stealth, meaning she's not out as trans.

She presents as a man and hasn't undergone any gender affirmation surgery.

She knows she'll lose her job if it's made public.

W says only about four of her colleagues know, and those people are helping by asking questions on her behalf so no one suspects anything.

That experience is shared by a fellow sailor, A, who is also stealth and using only an initial for the same reasons as W. But A, a trans man, is stealth in a different way.

When A started boot camp, he pulled a sergeant aside to let her know.

And she arranged for separate showers for, quote, religious reasons.

And when an opportunity came up for flight school, it was obvious that A's gender identity would be revealed during the drug testing process.

So he and his command decided he would opt out of the training to avoid that situation.

But on paper, due to his ADHD diagnosis, he's incredibly grateful for the protection.

but also points out that it's stopping him from being more useful to the Navy.

A points to moments like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requiring all troops to watch or read his September speech at Quantico, Virginia.

Hundreds of generals and admirals were ordered from commands all around the world to fly in and attend the speech in person.

Others point to a waste of not just time, but also money.