by Mike Andrew - SGN Staff Writer

While the U.S. Senate failed to pass legislation allowing LGBT soldiers to serve openly, the Canadian military is drafting a Trans-inclusive dress code for its troops.

The Canadian Department of National Defense already pays for the sex reassignments of Canadian troops. Canadian Forces spokespeople say that one or two service people transition every year.

While a written policy document on Transsexuals is new, the Canadian Forces have been dealing with the issue for over a decade, paying for the first sex reassignment of a service member in 1998.

The DND believes that soldiers marginalized because of their sexuality or gender identity are at risk for psychological problems.

Now the military has added a supplementary chapter to their administration manual that clears up any ambiguities about Transsexual military dress.

Soldiers, sailors, and air force personnel who change their sex or sexual identity have a right to privacy and respect, but they must conform to the dress code of their 'target' gender, says the new supplementary chapter of Canada's military administration manual.

The National Defense Department drew up the report in response to questions from administrative staff, Canadian Forces spokesperson Rana Sioufi told Canada's National Post newspaper.

'The CF is unique in that it must recruit, house, clothe, train, and deploy its members,' she said. 'This requires clear direction and standardized instructions to deal with individuals who may not fall into the generally accepted gender categories.'

Critics say the regulations are out of touch with the military's immediate needs during wartime, while LGBT activists hailed the new instructions.

Cherie MacLeod, executive director of PFLAG Canada, said she has helped a number of Canadian Forces members undergoing sex reassignment.

'This is an important step towards recognizing a community that has always struggled for equal rights and basic human protection,' Ms. MacLeod said. 'When government becomes more inclusive, over time, society will follow.'

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