Trans in the US Military

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There is an interesting discussion at this link about being transgendered in the US Military. The repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell does not affect the transgendered in the US Military. We're not like Canada.

http://www.aol.com/video/secretly-serving-the-few-the-proud-...

Portia

Comments

I was making...

I was making the point that DADT didn't have anything to do with trans before repeal... Many of the activists who worked hard on the repeal were well aware of that fact.

I personally know several people (In real life) who served... One of which managed to retire. She's been called back to active duty several times, once post op... Yes, they knowingly called her back to active duty despite regulations to the contrary and allowed her to serve as female, despite all prior service being male. Like so much, it's an excuse that is used by bigots to keep us out...

Other allied armed services allow us to serve: UK, Canada, Australia and The Netherlands come to mind, but I believe there are several others.

What would it take to let Trans serve openly? Believe it or not, the Military could do it with no outside interaction. The President could force it via executive order, Congress COULD (not likely, I know) pass a LAW stating that trans could serve, and it's conceivable that we could force the issue via the courts using the rationale used by the EEOC in stating that we're covered by Title VII.

Annette
LT USN

probably force...

Forcing it is probably the best answer. I like the idea of using the Title VII decision by the EEOC... Anyone want to volunteer themselves up for this one?

Honestly, I'm not cut for the military. Running for the military to hide was never even an option.

Abigail Drew.

It will happen...

persephone's picture

I'm a serving British officer.

My CO and my Brigade commander know my history... And I'm still being tracked for promotion.

Our biggest threat is ourselves and our own preconceptions in many cases. I found that the vast majority of people quite literally don't give a damn as long as you explain things in advance.

Persephone

Persephone

Non sum qualis eram

I know...

I know of at least one officer who transitioned in the UK Military. The individual had to change units (from an all male to a mixed one) but she continued to serve.

Annette

Although it isn't all sugar

Although it isn't all sugar and spice, you can ad Belgium to that list. Know of at least 2 active service members that both transisioned while still in the military. One I know from, I believe, Jambers which was a 'documentary' show (been several years) and the other I knew personally who was a former para (think ranger). Last I heard she switched to Airforce. Both where MtF

So, on paper at least, Belgium allows transgender service personel to serve in her military forces.

Trans in the US Military

True, Portia. But America is still ruled by the W.A.S.P. and they are reluctant to change their attitude.

    Stanman
May Your Light Forever Shine

Comment On My Comment

littlerocksilver's picture

I amfully aware of what can happen. Thirty years ago a young captain I knew had to act as the board officer on a young airman who tried a do it yourself castration. He was boarded out of the service - probably a general discharge. The Air Force offers no help nor do any of our other service branches. (I knew what I was the entire time I was in the service, and long before that.) They end up eating their young. I am addressing this issue in my latest effort to be posted here someday. As usual, other countries get it right before we do. Pray for intelligent thought.

Portia

Archiac Military beliefs

After serving a career in the US Navy and having been outed by my first ex. I was questioned and sent to see a psychologist. I am no dummy I like mind games and so I convinced them that my ex was trying to destroy my career. I drank to hide from me, I was a work-a-holic so I did not have to face me. I was the hardest one to convince that I was okay being me.
The military has a conception of if not a male you cannot function. I know of many TS's in the service who were senior officers and senior petty officers. I really believe that a person work ethics are not gender biased. I do better as a female because I am not struggling to hide who I am, but I did just as well as a male to keep from being scrutinized.
W.A.S.P. don't exist as far as I am concerned, some of them have theri own baggage that would take them out of theat stigma.
It is stigma that often is the underlying current in people not accepting. Jerry Springers transsexuals do a bad human relations number for the rest of us.
For being a female in a mans unit I did well, I did avoid the sex talks and the ultra macho presentation. Had I been allowed to present as female I wold have chosen another career path while on active duty. I would have looked for somehting that didn't get me dirty. I was a welder/pipefitter/firefighter/Drug and alcohol counselor I retired as a Chief Petty Officer.
I think in order for Trans to serve as either a MTF or FTM we would need to organize and make a proper case for the acceptance of Trans to serve and dress as they perceive themselves. The LGBT thing is not good for us, as we are generally an after thought. We need to create our own organization, literature and gatherings to inform the public.
Then I believe the stigma will go away and we will be able to serve without having to hide.

Jill Micayla
Be kinder than necessary,Because everyone you meet
Is fighting some kind of battle.

It is getting better

In the 20 or so years that I actually started trying to figure out what the hell my own feelings were, I think it has improved. In my daily life, it is just amazing how much less strength some women have than a man. I am told that I have 40% less strength than I used to have, and some of the women my age still tell me how strong I am. So, I wonder how transitioning in the Military should affect one's assignments. Perhaps could not do infantry any longer, eh? I was never any good as a Military Policeman, too soft for them.

Now days, I go anywhere I want and no one seems to give me any grief. The voice seems to be a big issue, and it is not pitch. There are plenty of old broads around who have voices like rock crushers. Inflection seems more important.

There's no reason...

There's no reason a lady couldn't do either of the jobs I had in the Navy (actually - women DID the second one). No strength required. :-)

I was a Naval Flight Officer - mission commander on E-2Cs (until an accident mucked up one ear). Then a "weather guesser". :-)

Annette

Xdress or Male Lesbian

I'm a crossdresser and retired military. Except for my Ex I was in the closet my whole career. Too many take cross dressing to mean that you are gay, trassexual or a transvestite. Despite DADT none of these are accepted in the military. I am none of those, though I often feel closer to transgender. I would be a lesbian if I'd ever go that far. I refer to my self as a male lesbian and yes I know the term is very seldom used and I not sure the genetic lesbians accept it.