UPDATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2024
The United States Navy values diversity and recognizes that through inclusion we are a better military and stronger nation for it. This means that, like all other qualified citizens, Sailors who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgender shall be evaluated based on individual merit, fitness, and performance. It is the policy of the Department of Defense to treat all Service members in a professional and neutral manner.
Regarding transgender service members, the Department of Defense updated DoD INSTRUCTION 1300.28 on December 20, 2022, detailing guidelines around policy, responsibilities, and procedures regarding the standards for military service accession, retention, separation, in-service transition, and medical care for Service members who are transgender or who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, as applicable.
LGBTQI+ Policy and Guidance
- Executive Order on Advancing Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Individuals
- DoD Instruction 6130.03, Volume 1 (Medical Standards for Military Service: Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction)
- DoD Instruction 1300.28 (In-Service Transition for Transgender Service Members)
- SECNAVINST 1000.11A - Service of Transgender Sailors and Marines ***UPDATED***
- ALNAV 031/21 - Military Service by Transgender Person and Persons with Gender Dysphoria Interim Guidance
- NAVADMIN 112/21 - Interim Guidance for Service of Transgender Navy Personnel *Revised Gender Marker Change Process, see updated submission info below"
- MILPERSMAN 1000-131 - Member Gender Marker Change *Revision in progress, see updated submission info below*
- Transgender Clinical Care Resources
- Personnel Support Professional Training - Same-Sex Marriage
- NAVADMIN 218/13 GUIDANCE ON BENEFITS FOR SAME-SEX SPOUSES
DEERS Gender Marker Process Change
Does MILPERSMAN 1000-131 contain accurate information for a gender marker change request?
No. MILPERSMAN 1000-131, Member Gender Marker Change Procedures currently has out-of-date information. The gender marker change guidance is currently being updated.
How do I change my gender marker?
STEP 1: Create the gender marker change request package:
a. Acquire one of the three DoD approved civilian documents that reflect the member’s self-identified gender
b. In conjunction the member’s MMP and/or Case Manager, request a medical memo of support from the Transgender Care Team stating the member’s eligibility for a gender marker change. This medical memo of support is for the Commanding Officer to review and should not be included in the final package sent to MNCC.
Reference DHA PI 6025.21.
i. The TGCT will need the following information: Member’s Full Name, DoD ID#, and copy of one of the approved civilian documents annotating their self-identified gender
c. Draft Gender Marker Change Request with the medical memo of support and civilian document as enclosures, route to Commanding Officer
d. Commanding Officer provide endorsement
STEP 2: Submit GMC Request Package to MyNavy Career Center for implementation:
a. GMC Packages should be submitted via ENCRYPTED EMAIL ONLY. GMC Packages are no longer accepted via physical mail.
b. Email Subject Line: Gender Transition Package ICO [Insert Name]
c. The package should include the following:
i. The member’s request
ii. Commanding Officer’s Endorsement (w/ Command Letterhead)
iii. Documentary evidence. ****Do not include any transition plans, letters from doctors, or a medical information.
d. Members may send a Gender Transition Package (via encrypted email) to askmncc.fct@navy.mil or cscselboard@navy.mil. Both MNCC mailboxes are capable of receiving ENCRYPTED correspondence in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD) policy. If you are sending correspondence from a non-NMCI network (BUMED.mil, USMC.mil, etc.), please follow the steps below to download the required mailbox encryption certificate:
How to download certs for sending encrypted emails to the askmncc.fct@navy.mil email address:
2. Use Microsoft Outlook with a CAC reader.
4. Click "Search."
5. Click the "BUPERS" link under "Last Name."
6. Click on the link Download Certificate(s) as vCard.
8. Click the "Open" button for the File Download popup.
9. Once the certificate opens, click "Save and Close."
10. The Certificate is then saved to the profile and can be used to send encrypted email.
What are appropriate documentary evidence to verify a change in gender?
One of the following is required to be submitted with the gender correction request:
• A certified true copy of a State birth certificate reflecting the member’s preferred gender.
• A certified true copy of a court order reflecting the member’s preferred gender.
• A United States passport reflecting the member’s preferred gender.
If you need templates for the Gender Marker Change Request or the Commanding Officer’s endorsement, email the Navy SCCC at usn_navy_sccc@navy.mil.
Historical Information