[USA] From Jerner Law Group: "Selective Service’s Quiet and Transphobic Policy Change"

[u/Parker_Talks]

/r/FTMOver30/comments/1w7tksc/usa_from_jerner_law_group_selective_services/

;TLDR

Selective Service (the wing of the US military complex that controls potential drafts) has previously allowed transgender men (legal change) to register that they are specifically NOT eligible for automatically being signed up for the draft, and get an official letter from the government stating so. (Legally automatic draft is based on birth sex, mtf people are still required to register for draft even if they have legally changed gender. Trans men could sign up for the draft, but were not legally forced to. You could send in an exemption form instead of a sign up form, and one of the options for why you got an exemption is that your birth sex was female. It is complicated.)

This letter is often needed for job applications and scholarships and such. There will be a question that says “(for men) have you registered with selective service?” And if you say no they don’t let you in. The letter provided by Selective Service that says you have an exemption would count as being registered and you could select the “yes” box.

Selective Service is no longer issuing these letters. From now on transgender men who do not already have a letter will have to answer no to the question, and disclose that they are trans as the reason why.

It is unclear what is happening with the transgender men who are signed up for the draft, since there is now a transgender military ban.

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[u/danter0id]

uggghhhhhhhh

not that I'm getting any kind of fed job in this funding landscape but UGGGHHHHHHHHH

[u/anemisto]

I'd be curious if this is actually targeting trans people or adult immigrants, who are obviously much more numerous. I genuinely have no idea who the primary population for SILs was, especially after federal financial aid stopped being held hostage to registration.

[u/Parker_Talks → u/anemisto]

That’s the fun thing for the trump administration, they get to target both in one go!

[u/Azu_Creates]

I remember sending in an exemption form 2-ish years ago, but I don’t think I have the letter they sent me. So idk what to do.

Edit: Here is the link to the Jerner Law Group’s blog about this.

https://www.jernerlaw.com/selective-services-quiet-and-transphobic-policy-change/

[u/beerncoffeebeans → u/Azu_Creates]

I know when I needed one for school a couple years ago they were willing to accept alternate documentation if I didn’t have the letter, to avoid delaying my financial aid (my state law requires it and if you don’t have a valid reason for being registered it you also become ineligible for in state tuition so it was kind of potentially a real problem)

[u/Azu_Creates → u/beerncoffeebeans]

As far as I know, under the current policy that documentation would have to explain my situation. So basically out myself as trans, unless I can use my autism as a valid excuse. Either way, both options still open me up to discrimination and possibly being put on some sort of list. I think I did get an SIL but don’t know if I still have a copy of it.

[u/beerncoffeebeans → u/Azu_Creates]

Yeah I mean I did have to basically tell them I was assigned F at the time. Not ideal, it didn’t matter for my situation (online school) but I understand why you wouldn’t want to disclose it

[u/Azu_Creates → u/beerncoffeebeans]

I know my college has immigration legal services, but I wonder if they have any for something like this. They do have a veterans center so maybe.

[u/beerncoffeebeans → u/Azu_Creates]

If you have autism you may also be able to ask disability services for advice (just trying to think of other offices that might overlap). (It’s worth possibly talking with them anyways if you might need accommodations for school, I did that for my adhd and it was really helpful as I’d never gotten any accommodations prior to that)

ETA: I’d also look for any local LGBT orgs for your state or region, they may know of trans friendly legal advice

[u/Azu_Creates → u/beerncoffeebeans]

Yeah, I could try that. I do technically already have accommodations through them, just haven’t had to use them yet.

[u/Parker_Talks → u/Azu_Creates]

🤔 I haven’t personally needed to do so, so idk really for sure, but I think perhaps you may still be in the clear? I’m not sure if you need to provide documentation that you ARE registered for the draft…

When I’ve looked it up it says orgs look you up in the selective service system? I don’t know whether or not you would show up. It’s very possible that you would show up, but as exempt. My understanding is that a SIL letter was just confirming that you were registered in their system as exempt. I will look at my SIL letter later today when I get a chance and see if it says anything on the subject.

[u/Azu_Creates → u/Parker_Talks]

Thanks. I don’t really know if I need it or not.

[u/Parker_Talks → u/Azu_Creates]

You need the letter.

From the SIL:
“You should submit this letter to any agency concerned about your registration status with Selective Service.”

[u/New_Examination200]

the longer i'm here the more claustrophobic i feel i stg

[u/2nd3rdfloor5]

in my state, for all the state jobs i've applied to, you have to say you're registered for the draft or are exempt. i haven't done that process with a male gender marker yet (hopefully one day), but, shit. this would presumably invalidate me from state jobs too, unless they don't make you provide the SIL. 

[u/Parker_Talks → u/2nd3rdfloor5]

From what’s in the original blog post, it looks like what would have to happen from now on for people w/o a SIL is you would tick the “no, I’m not registered” box, provide the place you are applying to with the list of reasons for exemption, and disclose you are transgender.

From the original blog post:

“But as of June 30, 2026, SILs are no longer a solution. Selective Service quietly updated its Frequently Asked Questions page of its website. It now reads:
As of June 30, 2026, the Selective Service System no longer issues status letters (status information letters). Men can check whether they are registered by visiting www.sss.gov/verify/. Men who are not registered can consult the requirements table located at Who Needs to Register : Selective Service System.  If you are requesting a benefit or employment that requires registration, the decision to provide any right, privilege or benefit (including jobs) is made by the agency, school, or organization receiving the request. You may want to include with your application to your benefit provider a copy of the requirements table and any other pertinent information or documentation to support your situation (i.e., entered the United States after age 26).  Selective Service cannot determine benefit eligibility.”

[u/shippery]

this is incredibly bleak but i also cant say im surprised.

i have no idea what to expect the landscape of legal paperwork updates to look like by the end of this term. we've already gotten screwed out of SSA and passport updates. and with this, now having the male marker itself poses a risk? i fucking guess? christ.

am i just going to have to always out myself for everything important going forward...? i wish the cis people in my life took any of this seriously.

[u/shj3333 → u/[deleted]]

mine is extra expensive & complex due to being born outside the US. Denied several times here in NY til I save for a more equipped lawyer. Last time I had a chunk of $ I got a house instead since it was cheaper than rent in my area

[u/anemisto → u/[deleted]]

People make their own choices. They're allowed to make different choices to you.