Transexual in the Army

[Myojine]

ok so many things have happened in my life and one thing led to the other and well some how, i ended up in the US army national guard.
so its good sorta becuase i now have a 100% stable job that i cant be layed off from and i ahve a paycheck BLah blah blah
so whats the problem?
I dont wanna be male...
i dont know just how much of a problem that is, but im sure if i tryed to get some sorta help for me wanting to be female im sure a good few people would either severly missunderstand or would get me in some seroius trouble or something drastic.
but i just cant keep quite, this is putting so much emotional stress on me right not im starting to stop wanting to do things that i normally do(sign of depression?)just some light things some people say even hurt.
like i hate cutting my fignernails. but as a male there are regulations.
i seriously dont know what to do. im afriad of what is happening.
i hope there is some wisdom for me here

[NiCo]

I know in the British army they accept transsexuals [after the Jan Hamilton case] cause i want to join up, but because i want to go in as male, i have to have chest op first. There is also support available within the British army for TS people.

Well i'm not sure about the US army, but i wish you the best of luck.

:hugs:

[Myojine]

I know in the British army they accept transsexuals [after the Jan Hamilton case] cause i want to join up, but because i want to go in as male, i have to have chest op first. There is also support available within the British army for TS people.

Well i'm not sure about the US army, but i wish you the best of luck.

:hugs:

i REALY hope i can transition and be in the Army because then id be so so so happy with my life.
would be thourghly worth living!
HOOAH!

[NiCo]

i REALY hope i can transition and be in the Army because then id be so so so happy with my life.
would be thourghly worth living!
HOOAH!

I just googled "transsexuals in the US army" and basically it told me that it's not allowed. But the most recent [2007] said that...i don't know if that's the latest or whatever.

:(

[Myojine]

I just googled "transsexuals in the US army" and basically it told me that it's not allowed. But the most recent [2007] said that...i don't know if that's the latest or whatever.

:(

...im so temped to just go to the chaplain i want to know for sure...
im seriuosly at an emotionalchoas right now, im afriad im gonna loose it.
and that would be bad.

[NiCo]

...im so temped to just go to the chaplain i want to know for sure...
im seriuosly at an emotionalchoas right now, im afriad im gonna loose it.
and that would be bad.

When I enquired I was told I would not get in for being trans, and my world fell to bits. I thought “wtf is the point in me being alive If I can’t do this!?” and I was so angry I complained and threatened to take things much further but I got a letter from the army a few days later of apology and asking me to go back in and speak to someone. So I did and they said they’d accept me in when I had my chest operation as it would be so much easier for me, going in as male.

The best thing you could do is enquire for yourself. It’s the only way you are going to get a solid yes or no, and if anything bad happens…appeal!

Cause the only reason they refuse transsexual in the army is because of the amount of emotional distress they go through but if you can prove you are mentally stable enough, then there shouldn’t be a problem!

:hugs:

[Myojine]

When I enquired I was told I would not get in for being trans, and my world fell to bits. I thought “wtf is the point in me being alive If I can’t do this!?” and I was so angry I complained and threatened to take things much further but I got a letter from the army a few days later of apology and asking me to go back in and speak to someone. So I did and they said they’d accept me in when I had my chest operation as it would be so much easier for me, going in as male.

The best thing you could do is enquire for yourself. It’s the only way you are going to get a solid yes or no, and if anything bad happens…appeal!

Cause the only reason they refuse transsexual in the army is because of the amount of emotional distress they go through but if you can prove you are mentally stable enough, then there shouldn’t be a problem!

:hugs:
thats the thing i would be mentally sound IF i could be female but thats the problem....
im in distress because i cant be a female or look like one i dont know what to do.
so should i go ask? or no? i reall need to have a good idea beofer i deside to do this.
i mean ill be offcially coming out im not sure what will happen

[NiCo]

thats the thing i would be mentally sound IF i could be female but thats the problem....
im in distress because i cant be a female or look like one i dont know what to do.
so should i go ask? or no? i reall need to have a good idea beofer i deside to do this.
i mean ill be offcially coming out im not sure what will happen

Don't come out as yet! Just enquire. Say something like "i have a friend wishing to join the army but they are ts" and see what they say [their reply might hurt but at least you will have your answer] and you could also challenge them with "but if they are stable minded, where does their rights lie then?" etc.

[Carole Cross]

I have read an article in a newspaper recently that the US military are considrering relaxing the rules considering gay and trans people. They are currently seeking advice from the British military on how to do this.

[Myojine]

Don't come out as yet! Just enquire. Say something like "i have a friend wishing to join the army but they are ts" and see what they say [their reply might hurt but at least you will have your answer] and you could also challenge them with "but if they are stable minded, where does their rights lie then?" etc.

im already in the army thats different. ive already made it threw basic. joining as a trans maybe disalowed but...will someone already in service have a problem continueing?
i need to find some way to cope because ive been feeling physical effects of emotional stress thats going on because of it. my emotions have dropped so bad

[NiCo]

im already in the army thats different. ive already made it threw basic. joining as a trans maybe disalowed but...will someone already in service have a problem continueing?
i need to find some way to cope because ive been feeling physical effects of emotional stress thats going on because of it. my emotions have dropped so bad

All i can suggest is you confide in someone you trust within the army and ask them outright. Good luck!

[Myojine]

im going to pray for my happiness and for destiny, please pray that i can do this. oh god i pray

[NiCo]

I will pray. I know exactly how important this is...i would not be able to live if i couldn't get into the army...so i really understand your fear!

Be strong about this, if you show weakness or fear to them it may go against you and be willing to fight for your rights to get where you want to be! Fight until there is no way you can fight anymore! And you know what? Nothing is impossible! We can all win if we set our minds to it!

I'll be cheering you on!

[Myojine]

I will pray. I know exactly how important this is...i would not be able to live if i couldn't get into the army...so i really understand your fear!

Be strong about this, if you show weakness or fear to them it may go against you and be willing to fight for your rights to get where you want to be! Fight until there is no way you can fight anymore! And you know what? Nothing is impossible! We can all win if we set our minds to it!

I'll be cheering you on!

I am Strong. Army Strong.
I am Going to be a Drill Sergeant After All
http://www.dnwonline.com/usar/images/dshat-female.gif

[NiCo]

WOOOHOOOOOO, exactly YOU ARE going to be! :D keep positive!

[noeleena]

Hi..
I have just gone on to the army site . & it appears trans are accepted . as it is theres 70.000 women serving you have 675.000 serving as it is now .
its GoArmy.com theres a lot of info . hope it helps .
see what you think
...noeleena...

[Teresa Macaw]

Dear Army Chick,

Sorry to hear of the challenge. I am retired 24 years. I hate to say but the best you could do IMO is dress at home, if it got out in public you could be quickly discharged for several reasons. It seem most of us trans military persons just have to wait or get out. Wish I could be more positive but that is the state of IS. Doing it civil service will be a challenge for me, so I"m there with ya.

Be blessed,

Teresa

[Myojine]

Hi..
I have just gone on to the army site . & it appears trans are accepted . as it is theres 70.000 women serving you have 675.000 serving as it is now .
its GoArmy.com theres a lot of info . hope it helps .
see what you think
...noeleena...

where did you find that? can you post a link?

[Bea A]

If you have any hopes of staying in the Army, do not tell anyone and dress at home. The minute you do, the process of separating you from the military will begin. You will become a security risk (get your clearance yanked) and your life could very well be in danger. Even if you confide with the chaplain, he still must report you. Please be careful....:2c:

[WifeofWrenchette]

I have read an article in a newspaper recently that the US military are considrering relaxing the rules considering gay and trans people. They are currently seeking advice from the British military on how to do this.Yes, that is true, HOWEVER, Obama has NOT signed the paperwork to make it so yet.

Wait until AFTER he does to come out. It should be soon.

[Mrs. X (gg)]

My BF is in the US military.

US Army has the rule "dont ask don't tell"...this policy prohibits anyone who demonstrates a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual/bisexual or any disclosing of his or her sexual orientation or behavior serving in the armed forces, because it would create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability.

Don't risk to tell anyone...you will be discharged!!!! :2c:

[Myojine]

If you have any hopes of staying in the Army, do not tell anyone and dress at home. The minute you do, the process of separating you from the military will begin. You will become a security risk (get your clearance yanked) and your life could very well be in danger. Even if you confide with the chaplain, he still must report you. Please be careful....:2c:

dress nothing, i dc what my clothes are, its my body im stressed about. i dont dress because im a CDer, im a Trans and my situation is tearing my soul apart.
so tell me when does Obama sign this paper? because if it does what you made me think it does then the day it signed i will come out.
idc PT shorts, ACU's, or a skirt, missing my boobs, long hair and painted fingernails.

[TxKimberly]

Once upon a time I was a SGT in the US Army so I have a clue what your going through. My advice is this - do not talk about it to folks that are in the Army and aren't your very good friends. If you do, sooner or later someone is going to get the idea that your presence is disruptive. There are countless ways that they can maneuver things to get you out, and we both know that it WILL come down to that in the long run.

If you intend to transition, my suggestion would be to keep quiet, keep the job and benefits, and start throwing your paycheck into a savings account or other device for saving and growing your money. A single person in the Military can have little to no bills, allowing you to put the majority of your pay away. When you have enough to pay for your transition, exit the military and go for it. I would imagine that having a clear and attainable goal (saving for transition) should make things mentally more tolerable for you. True, at the moment you aren't living the life you desire, but if you can see that savings grow, if you can tell yourself when the depression hits "I'm making progress - I'm getting there - I'm accepting this discomfort because it's what I must endure to get the life I want" then it should make things more tolerable.

[noeleena]

Hi...Myojine
u s army recuiting
GoArmy.com
...noeleena...

[joanlynn28]

Best advice keep it quiet, every transperson I came across that was in the military ended up being discharged as being unfit to serve. When they were outed, some of them were fortunate to have a medical discharge under honorable conditions and others not so fortunate. Until the DoD changes its' Don't ask Don't tell policy keep your activities under wraps. Unless you want out, then go ahead tell your commander about it.

[Myojine]

i talked to the chaplain today
and?
He didnt freak!!!!
in fact he said he had another peson there with the same problem before soz im not so alone ^_^
but he said that i can see a psychiatrist and stuff so maybe just maybe i can start my transistion the re-enlist as a Female :D IDC if i have to do basic training over again! ill be a girl, In basic training... :daydreaming:
HOOAH!
but i gotta get things right.
soz ill just see before i get my hopes up

[Mandyflcd]

Don't get your hopes up. Don't mean to crush your spirit but the US Military is still a very long way from accepting gay / trans. Even if they would let you, you will not find acceptance amongst your peers.

And how long ago did this intense "can't live with being male" feelings come on? If it was just an "all of a sudden" thing then you will learn to accept your situation and control it. If it was a long time coming... why sign up in the first place until you had it all figured out?

[Penelope Marie]

ok so many things have happened in my life and one thing led to the other and well some how, i ended up in the US army national guard.
so its good sorta becuase i now have a 100% stable job that i cant be layed off from and i ahve a paycheck BLah blah blah
so whats the problem?
I dont wanna be male...
i dont know just how much of a problem that is, but im sure if i tryed to get some sorta help for me wanting to be female im sure a good few people would either severly missunderstand or would get me in some seroius trouble or something drastic.
but i just cant keep quite, this is putting so much emotional stress on me right not im starting to stop wanting to do things that i normally do(sign of depression?)just some light things some people say even hurt.
like i hate cutting my fignernails. but as a male there are regulations.
i seriously dont know what to do. im afriad of what is happening.
i hope there is some wisdom for me here

i was in the National Guard for 9 years, My nails are long and always have been. i can't recall cutting them for the Army. not saying i did not just i can't recall. i have kept my nails long for as long as i can remember.

[sherri52]

The Army is now a don't ask don't tell organization, However the transition is not allowed. Make sure your first three years are completed before trying to make the change. That way i they want you out they will let you resign. Before three years they would give you a section 8 or unable to adjust to military life.

[Sharon]

In addition to the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, there should be added the final part: "and don't let them know," that is if you wish to remain in the military.

[Plasibeau]

The biggest issue for most transsexuals coming out of the closet or beginning transition is the fear of being unable to support themselves. That said, there is no way you will be able to transition in ANY american service. Even if you got out transitioned and tried to re-inlist as female they will not accept you. I'm sorry hun, but it's the truth.

[Bea A]

Based on what you just shared with the group, I predict that your days of being in the US military are numbered... I trust Kimberly's expertise in the Army and I think outing yourself to the chaplain (who is a an Army officer 1st and clergyman 2nd) may be enough to remove you under don't ask/don't tell. I wish you the best of luck and hope your transition works for you. I don't think I am, but I pray for your sake that I am wrong. Please be careful... :sad:

[Jessinthesprings]

I know in the British army they accept transsexuals [after the Jan Hamilton case] cause i want to join up, but because i want to go in as male, i have to have chest op first. There is also support available within the British army for TS people.

Well i'm not sure about the US army, but i wish you the best of luck.

:hugs:

Obama has made a speech about lifting the ban on gays in the military... somehow if that did happen we'd probably get forgotten.

[Stephanie Heplby]

As usual, Kimberly is full of good information that is accurate. In addition, you need to research the entire situation based on facts, not on recruiting sunshine blown up your proverbial skirt by the U.S. military. They want you to think you will be fine, so you will join. Using their recruitment web site as a resource is somewhat like using advertisements to decide on a particular product. (Please don't tell me you believe advertisements.)

The points have been hit well elsewhere, but to repeat:
The so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy basically dictates that you are free to be GLBT, as long as no one finds out. In practice, "finding out" is a fuzzy concept that can be extremely flexible, based on your command. In general, you are not likely to find the military very accepting. Tread with extreme caution.

One legal note regarding a question that I have not yet seen addressed:

...
so tell me when does Obama sign this paper?
...

The process to revoke "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is not so simple. As always, research on a topic is your best bet. Here is what we can expect:

1. The President can sign an Executive Order that terminates enforcement of the policy. However, no President (even this one) can revoke the policy without Congressional action. So, even if the current President terminates enforcement, the policy can be reinstated by the next President with another stroke of the pen, unless Congress takes action. This means that any acceptance through Executive Order can be removed as quickly as it is given.

2. The military brass will not willingly accept (or enforce) a policy change without appropriate consultation, so they will need to provide policy recommendations to the White House. This has not happened yet.

And, keep in mind, you need top Pentagon approval to help ensure that there is active enforcement of any new, more "tolerant", policies. Without that, there would likely be a lot of "accidents" involving GLBT people.
(Consider reading up about Calpernia Addams: http://www.calpernia.com/soldiers-girl/ )

3. For Congressional action to happen, the White House needs to send policy recommendations to the Hill. This has not happened and will not happen without Pentagon recommendations.

Summary: Don't Hold Your Breath.
I have hope that Obama will make his way around to this issue, but it is off the radar right now.

Again, Kimberly's advice to save toward your transition is probably best. It can help you do the "Jedi Mind Trick" to convince yourself that you are on the path, without "offending" the authorities.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. I am not in the military. I am not a politician (though a political junkie). I am strongly opposed to any limitations of any kind on GLBT people of any stripe.

[Myojine]

Don't get your hopes up. Don't mean to crush your spirit but the US Military is still a very long way from accepting gay / trans. Even if they would let you, you will not find acceptance amongst your peers.
they dont accept me anyways im a little but of an odd person. with or without me wanting to be a girl.


And how long ago did this intense "can't live with being male" feelings come on? If it was just an "all of a sudden" thing then you will learn to accept your situation and control it.
ive ALways felt that way. like i wasnt supose to be a guy, its jsut built up over time and it gets umbearable sometimes


If it was a long time coming... why sign up in the first place until you had it all figured out?
because my cousin who is a female in the army talked ot me and said somethings that sorta convinced me that id never be a female blah blah and that the army could help me forget i wanna be a female ect ect and i was foolish enought to believe her, my insecurities got im my way...
it back fired... all i want is to be female now, i cant keep my mind off of it. AT ALL now.

[Scotty]

I wish I could say that you'd be supported but remember that there's a lot of type A personalities in the military and I've seen people get discharged just to get discredited so the NCO's in charge could get away with a crime they got away with.....

They can, and will, do whatever they want to you and it could include violence...I've seen it first hand while I was in the Army.

I also knew of a combat veteran over on eunoch.org that ended up in a bad place after her discharge, she had breasts and was transitioning save for SRS, and in wh atever state she was in she could not even get friggin food stamps!!! She ended up in a bad bad place, porn, etc etc - and I have never heard back from her.

Getting out and transitioning and going back in would PROBABLY be your best bet....then nobody would know or need to know.

[Diane Elizabeth]

I am military retired and they don't want to hear me talk about my CD/TG feelings. The VA said that it isn't covered. If I want therapy to go elsewhere for help with CD/TG. Of which I can't afford to do, so I am without any therapist other than you guys. Good luck changing the Army requirements. DyLen