Veteran organizations and CD/TG

[Teri Jean]

It has been a while since I have brought this up but many know when I decided to transition I was full enveloped in veteran organizations (American Legion/VFW, etc). Well first off there is an organization of transgender vets called TAVA of which I joined recently but that isn't the reason for the post. Yesterday as I was finishing the day working on a door and hinges at work a group let out of their meeting just down the hall from me. One of the individuals was the past commander of the AL in my town (we have two) and as he walked by he said hi as a matter of courtacy to the tall good looking lady working. I said hi back and you could tell he did not recognize me at first. He got about a 100 yrds down the hall and did a abrupt turn around and came back.:doh:

Now it is going to get interesting and the world is going to shift it's axis and we are all going to fly off.:eek: Nope but the next 30 minutes we talked as I worked and got caught up on stuff. Two vets enjoying a great conversation, one male-one female, and at the close of the meeting he said he would call and we could get together for a couple :drink::drink:. He and I were District Vice Commanders last year, different districts.

So ladies there are those who we will never get to accept but it is wonderful to know there are those who will look beyond the obvious and accept you for the person you are. Don't give up and with the fourth this weekend, thank you all who served for your service now and then.:hugs::love:

Teri, USN 67-71

[Katesback]

If I recall Monica Helms is a very active TS veteran. She even designed the transgender flag which to my surprise is not present on this site.

[carrie-ann]

Being a vet. I don't get a lot of good thoughts from vets. When I tell them I'm a vet most treat me like i have a major problem. They just shake there heads and walk away. I have found a few that support me. I think It's getting better though. I hope it is any way.

[Teri Jean]

This weekend I was about 2-1/2 hrs away visiting the past commander's wife as we have become good friends since I have started my transition. We had a good day catching up on the stuff woman do and then a nice drive home. As I was making dinner I recieved a call from another past commander who is in charge of a fundraiser for the vets van that transports our vets to the hospital. I had recieved an request for support and dinner tickets for later so I dropped a check in the envelope and when he recieved it he felt it would be good to catch up also so he called.

Okay dinner was cold when I got off the phone but the warmth of the day made up for the dinner. Carrie you are right, most cannot find a place for TG individuals but then there are some who embrace the diversity. Teri

[Teresa Ann]

God bless America and people like you Teri Jean!

[AllisonR]

Teri Jean, it's been a while since I've been on here but I read some of your earlier posts. Good for you, girl, and I am so glad that your friend turned around to actually go back and spend time talking with you! How uplifting that is and goes to show that some people really do have their heads on straight.

I am not transitioning, I'm just a transgender girl and get dressed as soon as I get off work. I am the Post Adjutant and was the Finance Officer for our District. Just got voted out as Finance as I miss too many of the meetings due to work schedules. I had informed the District Commander that I would be going to the District meeting as Allison. He was a little bit surprised but did tell me that I'm not the first veteran that "this has happened to" and also said that once I showed up as a girl, I'd have to be so at all future meetings, no "going back". Ha! Like I'd want to! Anyway, missed that meeting due to work. Now, at our Post, that's a different story. We are running our hot dog sales fundraisers right now and most everyone treats me fine, though I do have to get tough with some and tell them to treat me with respect as I do them and refer to me as Allison or her/she, instead of A****n or him/he. I had introduced myself to 99% of the members, spouses and friends beforehand. I do notice that one couple haven't shown up at the hot dog sales, though and also didn't show up at the informal meeting & bbq at a Legionnaire's house. Because of me? Don't know for sure but I do suspect that. Also, the post Commander had called the District Cmd and said that if I showed up at a meeting dressed as a woman, that he and others would walk out in protest. Well, next month, he'll be hosting our informal meeting & bbq at his house so I'll have to see if I'm "allowed" to go there or not. I had told him "your house, your rules" but if he says I cannot go as Allison, well then I don't go to his house. We'll see what happens at the August meeting at his house and the September regular meeting.

Anyway, Teri Jean, keep up the good life, stay strong as a lady and keep a smile in your heart!

Love & Hugs,
Allison
"I may never be the girl of my dreams...but never-the-less, I am Woman!"0


It has been a while since I have brought this up but many know when I decided to transition I was full enveloped in veteran organizations (American Legion/VFW, etc). Well first off there is an organization of transgender vets called TAVA of which I joined recently but that isn't the reason for the post. Yesterday as I was finishing the day working on a door and hinges at work a group let out of their meeting just down the hall from me. One of the individuals was the past commander of the AL in my town (we have two) and as he walked by he said hi as a matter of courtacy to the tall good looking lady working. I said hi back and you could tell he did not recognize me at first. He got about a 100 yrds down the hall and did a abrupt turn around and came back.:doh:

Now it is going to get interesting and the world is going to shift it's axis and we are all going to fly off.:eek: Nope but the next 30 minutes we talked as I worked and got caught up on stuff. Two vets enjoying a great conversation, one male-one female, and at the close of the meeting he said he would call and we could get together for a couple :drink::drink:. He and I were District Vice Commanders last year, different districts.

So ladies there are those who we will never get to accept but it is wonderful to know there are those who will look beyond the obvious and accept you for the person you are. Don't give up and with the fourth this weekend, thank you all who served for your service now and then.:hugs::love:

Teri, USN 67-71