The Fallacy of Unfitness: Transgender People Are Not Only Fit for Society – They Are Essential

By Rev. Paula Josephine Sadler

There is a dangerous and persistent myth that transgender people are somehow inherently unfit to live in society, raise families, lead governments, or serve in the military. This lie has been weaponized by politicians, religious fundamentalists, and media outlets to justify exclusion, violence, and dehumanization. But there is no credible science, no ethical foundation, and no rational argument that supports this fallacy. In fact, the truth is clear and growing louder every day: Transgender people are not only fit for society – they are essential to it.

I. Mental Health Myths and Scientific Truths

It is true that transgender individuals face disproportionately high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality. But study after study shows that these outcomes are not caused by being transgender, but by being mistreated for being transgender. The American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, and the World Health Organization have all affirmed that being transgender is not a mental disorder. What causes harm is rejection, violence, and systemic neglect.

When transgender people receive affirmation, support, and access to healthcare, they thrive. Research from The Trevor Project shows that transgender youth who are supported by their families are 52% less likely to attempt suicide. Legal affirmation, access to gender-affirming care, and social support dramatically improve outcomes. The science is clear: transgender people are not inherently unstable – society’s rejection is.

II. Fitness for Military and Government Service

Claims that transgender individuals are unfit for military service are both unscientific and insulting. The RAND Corporation’s comprehensive 2016 study found that transgender troops pose no measurable risk to military readiness. In fact, transgender people currently serve honorably in every branch of the U.S. military and intelligence community.

Trans military heroes include:

• Colonel Bree Fram – U.S. Space Force officer and combat veteran

• Major Alivia Stehlik – Ranger-qualified Army officer

• Alana McLaughlin – Former Special Forces medical sergeant

• Shawn Skelly and Amanda Simpson – Presidential appointees to the Pentagon

• Trans CIA and FBI agents – now openly supported by internal pride networks

Globally, officers like Caroline Paige (UK), Christine Hug (Switzerland), and Alexandra Larsson (Sweden) have shattered glass ceilings in armed forces. These are not hypotheticals – these are proofs of excellence.

III. Transgender Contributions Across Society

Transgender people are thriving not just in the military, but everywhere:

• Dr. Lynn Conway revolutionized computer science and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

• Dr. Ben Barres was elected to the National Academy of Sciences for his work in neuroscience.

• Dr. Rachel Levine, a four-star admiral and public health leader, has helped guide national healthcare policy.

• Wendy Carlos shaped the sound of modern music with her pioneering use of synthesizers.

• Sarah McBride became the first openly transgender state senator in the U.S.

• Jennifer Finney Boylan, Geena Rocero, Zackary Drucker, and others continue to write, teach, lead, and inspire.

  
  

Transgender parents, healers, scientists, artists, teachers, and spiritual leaders are holding society together, often while enduring hate from the very systems they serve.

IV. Who Really Threatens Society?

If being transgender were truly dangerous, how do we explain the courage, empathy, and innovation so many transgender people demonstrate every day? What does it say about society that transgender women of color are often the first to care for LGBTQ+ youth abandoned by their own families? What does it say that so many transgender people become healers, caregivers, and community builders, even while being denied healthcare, housing, and employment?

The real danger to society is not transgender people. It is the political and religious extremism that seeks to erase them. It is the spread of misinformation and hate by those in power. It is the systemic violence that targets the most vulnerable among us.

V. Conclusion: A Call to Truth and Liberation

It is time to reject the fallacy of unfitness. Transgender people are not a problem to be fixed – they are a blessing to be cherished. They are not unstable – they are survivors of a world that has refused to see their worth. And they are not unfit – they are living proof that authenticity, diversity, and love are society’s greatest strengths.

If you want to know whether transgender people are fit for society, look around: they are saving lives, raising children, defending countries, building technologies, and leading movements.

And they are not going anywhere.