Federal Defender’s Office holds military enlistment campaign for trans men

The Public Defender’s Office of the Federal District (DPDF), through the Center for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (NDH), promoted this Monday (29/1) the so-called “1st military enlistment effort for trans men and transmasculine people” . The action, which was coordinated with the Military Service Board of the Plano Piloto Regional Administration, served 30 registrants throughout the day.

According to the Public Defender’s Office, the enlistment was aimed at those who changed their name and gender in their civil documents to male. In Brazil, military enlistment is mandatory for men between 18 and 45 years old. According to the Ministry of Defense, transgender men (women who have transitioned to the male gender) under the age of 45 must enlist in the Armed Forces as soon as they obtain new civil registration, reflecting the change of sex and name.

Trans women (men who changed to the female gender) who changed their documents before the age of 18 no longer have the obligation to present themselves for mandatory military service.

According to the public defender and head of the NDH, Ronan Figueiredo, “the action includes and recognizes gender identity, eliminates discriminatory barriers, promotes diversity in the Armed Forces, raises awareness and educates, in addition to developing inclusive policies.”