Veterans

[Macey]

It strikes me that a lot of us are veterans.

I'm curious, is there a greater incidence of veterans amongst CDs, TGs and NBs? Is being on the TG spectrum more common among veterans than other demographics? Is it a reaction to the hypermasculine environment of military service? Do those already on the TG spectrum gravitate toward military service in their youth as a type of denial?

Naturally, everyone's experiences are vastly different, but I am curious. What's your story? Is there anything to these questions?

[Teri Ray]

I think you are on to something Macey. I now believe the Navy made me a crossdresser. MMM well maybe not. Dang I guess I still don't know why I am a crossdresser.

[alwayshave]

I was a member of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, keeping the Commonwealth safe from invasion by Rhode Island.

[RaeK]

U. S. Air Force 1954-57

[Macey]

Rae, USAF for me too, much later, but still seems like a million years ago!

Jamie, not mentioning my side hobby concerning things that go 'boom', but I'm ready if the red coats ever invade :P

Teri, so which way did you shake out on it?

Ladies, any thoughts on my questions? I have to imagine the answers, if there are any, are complex and nuanced!

[Allison Chaynes]

Army 2001-2013. And no, I don't think it had any influence for me.

[RADER]

U.S.Navy SeaBees Vietnam 67 to 69. 15 months in country.
Rader

[Buse]

when i was been in arm soldier . i had little problems. i hv'nt got maskular body form . therefore they observed to me all of time

[Meeshell]

I joined the U.S. Army in 1986, stayed active until 1991, for education and employment mainly. My desire to crossdress manifest itself around 11 or 12 years old. I wanted to be a soldier since I was like 5 years old (or at least as near as I can remember). As far as I can tell there was no correlation between the two. I've always been pretty confortable with my "manhood" weather in pants or a skirt, so maybe unlike some, I don't think there was any "compensation" motivation. My crossdressing has always been a pretty private thing, and yes I did dress privately while in the military. Anyway, that's how I see it.

Thank you all for your service, whether during war or peacetime, I and my family are truly grateful to all of you.

MeeShell

[Robin-in-TX]

U.S. Army for 24 years, 14 enlisted, 81-95 and 10 as an officer, 2006-2017.

[Ozark]

Did I ever tell you how my typing teacher kept me out of Viet Nam? When I was a senior in high school, I had two study halls scheduled back to back. Asst Principal who was also typing teacher said no go and he put me in his typing class. This was 1967. Flash forward two years, I'm on the tarmac all set to go when the first sgt yells "Anybody here know how to type?" I raised my hand and the rest, as we say, is history. USA 91A but turned into a clerk typist this was pre computers.

I had dabbled in panties in high school but none in college or basic or AIT until I got sent to Germany. I was amazed at all the different styles of men's underwear and colors. I was used to boxers and fruit of the loom.

So here I am in a German department store looking over the men's underwear selection when a woman comes up to me and says, "Sex?" I think I said "Huh?" Because she again said "Sex. Sex." and picked up a package of nylon briefs.

I turned and quickly left the store. I was telling this to my room mate (not the part about wearing panties) and he started laughing and said she was probably a sales lady and thought I needed help in sizing. "Sex" is German for "Six" which she figured was teh size underwear I needed. (She was right).

[Chloe St Clair]

. . . Do those already on the TG spectrum gravitate toward military service in their youth as a type of denial? . . .

You nailed it for me.

U.S. Navy 1972-1976

[kimdl93]

uncle sam made my decision for me. I did kinda hope that two years of the army had "cured" me. needless to say, it didn't

[Macey]

Kim, it didn't 'cure' you because there's nothing wrong with you :P

[NancySue]

USAF...proudly. Cded before, took a three year sabbatical, after...It was a
Waiting for me when I was discharged, so I took up where I left off and started all over. Yes, I missed it during the military years, but there was no choice. Been making up for it ever since. 👗👠

[susie evans]

US army 1965 to 1967 infantry

[Patience]

is the percentage of homosexual veterans higher than the percentage of homosexuals relative to the general population? Is the percentage of left-handed people higher? What about countries where military service is mandatory (like the now discontinued national service in the UK)?

If there’s any connection there, it’s probably a strictly American phenomenon. Most other countries don’t have the same militaristic fetish. Well, not the democratic ones, anyway.

[Macey]

Patience, interesting thoughts, but I've seen a lot of UK folks that are veterans here on the boards, at least one of whom (can't remember who!) mentioned military service and how it affected or was affected by CDing, so it does make me curious.

Being left-handed, and having served not long before DADT in the US, I am curious about your other questions as well, but those are probably different topics altogether

[Lana Mae]

I joined the USAF in 1970 to avoid the draft! It had no connection with CDing! I served my 4 years and got out! Hugs Lana Mae

[Sherrii]

U.S. Navy 68-71 active. Sherrii

[Jennaristow]

US Navy submarine vetran. (Bubblehead) from 1987-1991. I did CD some while in. Not often though.

[Sidney]

1968 thru 1988, active duty US Army.! I dont think the Army had any influence one way or the other with me. Sidney I suppose was always there but didnt start to surface until 2007, twenty years after I retired from the Army and my wife and I sold the business we owned in 2008. I do know now that I had a feminine side from an early age but suppressed it to be the man I was.

[SherriePall]

Marine Reserves and Army National Guard. That's all I'm going to say.

[JaclynL61]

US Army here. I don't think that one caused the other. Just taking another step in growing up.

[Helen Waite]

I had dabbled before joining, but signed up mainly to escape my hometown. Dressed a bit during 21 year AF career and beyond. Last 4-5 years have been able to do more. Counseling helped spouse transition from search & destroy rage to DADT.