File this under *finally*: U.S. military set to lift ban on transgender people

The shameful policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was repealed in 2011, allowing openly gay men and women to serve in the military without hiding their sexual orientation. This was a monumental step toward equality and acceptance, but like so many steps forward for gay rights in recent years, one group was left behind: transgender people.

That is, until now. Defense Secretary Ash Carter is set to announce the lifting of a ban on transgender people serving in the military, possibly as early as next week. For the past year, a Pentagon task force has been assessing the best way to go about lifting the ban and dealing with any logistical changes it might entail.

Ashley Broadway-Mack, President of the American Military Partner Association, released a statement applauding the decision:

As usual, we’re slightly torn between wanting to celebrate and wanting to vent our frustration because seriously, why did this take so long? But in any case, this is great news and we’re glad that the military is changing its policies to reflect a more open and accepting culture.