Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
I'm a Trans Veteran Who Served Six Tours in the Mideast. What Does Trump Have Against Me?
Trump’s threat to reverse current policy is more than a threat to current or future transgender troops; it’s an insult to our military as a whole. The president dodged the draft during the Vietnam War, and yet he would deny confidence and self-respect to those who willingly risk their lives to keep his country safe. It takes bravery to enlist and serve in the armed forces; imagine the immense courage it takes to come out and transition while also serving in the military. Those who do so are some of the most dedicated service members America has. And the president has said that doesn’t want their help in protecting our nation. That’s a slap in the face. No one should be made to feel inferior for being who they are while serving and sacrificing in ways that most Americans will never understand or fully appreciate.
The president says he has rationales for the policy change—that we need to focus on victory, and that the costs to pay for soldiers’ transitions are too great—but these reasons fall apart with even the most basic amount of prodding.
This isn’t about unit cohesion. Having served in the military, I can tell you that cohesion will be badly damaged by pulling out deployed troops who are transgender. In uniform, you come to depend on your unit; they’re like family, and a bond is created that is impossible to understand unless you’ve served. How did my Marine buddies react when they heard the news that I’d transitioned? They threw me a big coming-out party at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. In advance, I warned them that it might be a lot to adjust to—whoever wants to meet me in person as a woman can come; if you don’t, then don’t. Out of the 60-or-so people who were invited, about 45 showed up. I was overwhelmed by the response.
The president says he has rationales for the policy change—that we need to focus on victory, and that the costs to pay for soldiers’ transitions are too great—but these reasons fall apart with even the most basic amount of prodding.
This isn’t about unit cohesion. Having served in the military, I can tell you that cohesion will be badly damaged by pulling out deployed troops who are transgender. In uniform, you come to depend on your unit; they’re like family, and a bond is created that is impossible to understand unless you’ve served. How did my Marine buddies react when they heard the news that I’d transitioned? They threw me a big coming-out party at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. In advance, I warned them that it might be a lot to adjust to—whoever wants to meet me in person as a woman can come; if you don’t, then don’t. Out of the 60-or-so people who were invited, about 45 showed up. I was overwhelmed by the response.
This is true courage
12 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
Trump is a psychopath and that's all any of us need to know. The sooner he is gone the better, and I don't want to hear, "but, but, Pence". We have to get 45 out.
