CDing in the military?

[cdemily]

I am currently serving in the US Air Force and have been crossdressing since I was very young. Obviously took a hiatus from it in basic training and started right back up in tech school before going to my first duty location. I have served for almost 8 years now and have never been outed. I have always been careful and only told the people that I knew I could trust. As for the OP question, I don't think it should matter what you do off duty, or what you wear under your uniform. As long as you aren't doing anything detrimental to the unit or the unit's morale and you can perform your job, you should be able to serve your country. Thats my opinion. However, the don't ask, don't tell policy has to do with homosexuals in the military. Some may say that crossdressing is "gay". But that is not the definition. So it would be easy to fight if you were in a legal battle over what kind of discharge you got if they decided to go that route. But that is neither here nor there, so I will wrap this up since this is getting to be really long. Jordyn, I thank you for your service and good luck in all of your endeavors. I hope that I answered your original question.

Emily

[Erica A.]

I've always had the utmost respect for Corp. Klinger!

[DonnaT]

There's only one reason someone transgendered shouldn't serve, and that is if their dysphoria or obsession gets in the way of them doing their job and doing it safely.

Most of us who were or are now in the military can probably attest to the fact that we didn't have any problems that would hinder out ability to perform.

As for dressing, it can be a problem under the UCMJ, but I know of some who are serving, and are known by their superiors. They've just been told to be careful.

One was outed because the use of the on-post computer was monitored for security reasons.

Occasionally, there has been mistreatment, but not usually.

I know one person who mentioned going to a support group meeting, and ran into his Captain and Master Chief there.

[Ediosa]

I just recently got out of the US Navy, and I have to say that I saw a difference example then what a lot of people are saying. They don't and will probably never know that I was a CD, but I did do it at home. I didn't do it on board the ship. You had others though that we didn't know. Some guys had panties in their coffin lockers and didn't mind showing them off, some saying they are from their girlfriends, and others were actually wearing panties on board the ship during the deployment. They got hazzle and most had a good laugh but that was it. No one was kicking anyones ass and anything like that. It was pure fun. Plus, while during my 12 years in the military, my whole commands(carriers and training commands) knew who was gay and different and it didn't matter. A lot of gays were open about they sexuality, from officers to enlisted, and it was a big deal. It got to the point that one sailor tried to get out of the military by being gay and saying he was gay. It didn't work. He even went to the commander of his department and told him he was gay. The commander said, good for you and get back to work. The guy had the balls to say, well by the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy you are required to kick me out, since I told. The commanders exact words were "Well, I didn't ask, therefore, you need to get back to work". Hell, we even had one guy in my division of 100 people who was openly gay(everyone knew and accepted), and even during the weekends many people saw him out in gay bars and sometimes even dressed in drag. It was funny hearing the Chiefs and Officers talk about him when one of them saw the guy dressed as a girl. Plus, most said that he really looked good. Nothing about, we need to get this guy out, he's a determent to the division and department, nothing. It was very enlightment how much it has changed. I don't know about the other services but I have worked with the Air Force plenty and there was many openly gays in there also, therefore, it depends where, what service, and the people around you.

[Beth Wilde]

Interesting moment today! I went for an ECG at our (military) medical centre. I thought they just needed to see the chest but had to take my shoes and socks off. I had forgotten I was wearing red nail polish on my toenails!!!! Following the questioning look from the young lady I managed to convince her that I had thought it was one of my friends doing the ECG and it was supposed to be a wind-up. At least, I hope I convinced her......

[JulieC]

I've always had the utmost respect for Corp. Klinger!

My kids don't know I crossdress, but on the abstract subject I've frequently told them that what people wear is their own business, and while most boys don't wear dresses, some do...and I use Klinger as an example.