However, a 2020 study found that only up to 8,000 transgender people served on active duty in the U.S. military. That's out of 1.3 million that were estimated to serve globally that year, or less than 1 percent. The actual number could be far higher as many service members may not disclose their transgender identity due to social stigma.

A federal judge on Tuesday blocked enforcement of a new Defense Department policy barring transgender people from serving in the U.S. military.U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes granted a request for a preliminary injunction sought by transgender active-duty service members and transgender people who are in the process of enlisting.

President Donald Trump's executive order banning transgender people from military service was blocked by a federal judge on Tuesday.