Darwin soldier Jesse Noble sparks gender diverse army uniform change

An Australian soldier may spark landmark changes to military uniform rules after senior officers backed a former male captain’s bid to wear the female dress.

Advocacy by Darwin’s First Combat Signals Regiment Jesse Noble has meant gender diverse soldiers now able to choose own uniforms.

It was a desire to be “authentic’’ and live with “integrity’’ that led Captain Jesse Noble to come out as non-binary to their military superiors.

Captain Noble of Darwin’s First Combat Signals Regiment made the brave call in February telling the Army: “I’m non-binary and I am going to be opting for the female uniform”.

“For me, presenting in who I am authentically both personally and professionally and that includes who I am from a gender perspective, and being non-binary,” the 35-year-old said.

The captain, a parent of two children, who grew up in the Pentecostal church, said they were unsure how the decision would be received by Army top brass but has been gratified to encounter “100 per cent support, from the unit, the brigade commander, the forces commander, everybody all the way up the chain’’.

Captain Noble also said fellow soldiers had reacted well and had “people coming out to me personally’’.

Jesse Noble is a captain in Darwin's First Brigade at the First Combat Signals Regiment and identifies as non-binary. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Part of Captain Noble’s decision to go public was to make it easier for other people in a similar situation.

“This isn’t just about me, it’s about the future and this is about everybody, irrespective of whatever majority or minority group they fall into,” they said.

“Trans rights are everybody’s rights.”

Captain Noble said they told their boss female dress standards allowed them a greater range for gender expression, while old army rules stated non-binary and intersex people were not permitted to choose their uniforms.

“I can wear make-up now. My ears are pierced at work. I have longer hair than most male-presenting people do at work.

“My fingernails are painted,” they said. “I can choose how I present myself.”

Thousands attended the 2023 Top End Pride March through Darwin City on June 24. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Captain Noble’s request was given “immediate interim approval’’ and sparked a change in policy with a broader directive issued to general personnel in April that allowed gender fluid, non-binary and intersex people to choose the uniform, grooming standards and accommodation that best reflected their identity.

The Australian Army’s dress standards stipulate men must have neatly groomed hair at all times.

No piercings, make up or fingernail polish were allowed.

Diversity Council Australia chief executive Lisa Annese said the decision to allow non-binary people to express themselves could be seen as “controversial when they’re in fact overdue” Picture: Supplied

The new policy impacts 85 per cent of Australian Army and air force members while the navy is yet to adopt the changes.

“Defence is in the process of developing a new policy in relation to supporting transgender, gender-affirming, non-binary and all gender-diverse defence members,” an ADF spokesperson said.

Diversity Council Australia chief executive Lisa Annese said the decision to allow non-binary people to express themselves could be seen as “controversial when they’re in fact overdue”.

“Inclusive uniform policies are an easy step that go a long way in making employees feel safe and supported in the workplace,” Ms Annese said.

Captain Jesse Noble leads the ADF float at Darwin Pride. Picture: Supplied

The move signals another huge shift in the Australian Defence Forces policies towards its Queer members over the past 30 years.

LGBTQI+ Australians were not allowed to join the armed forces until 1992, with military police known to investigate soldiers suspected of being homosexual, while others were discharged from the service.

In 2010 the ADF policy changed to allow transgender Australians to openly serve, following a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Since 2013 the ADF members have marched in uniform at Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Captain Noble said they believed their decision showed “there was a place in this organisation for everybody, irrespective of their gender, their sexuality, their ethnic origin or their background.

“What’s taking place here within forces command demonstrates that commitment of defence and army to being diverse and inclusive.’’

Originally published as Darwin soldier Jesse Noble sparks gender diverse army uniform change