Transgender Service Members: Serving in Silence

Sir its not so much of what you said but how you said it. It comes off very unprofessional. You're Retired Veteran, some of us younger service members actually look up to you guys because some of our NCO's, SNCO's, and CO's aren't the prime example. So the way you said that really wasn't expected...at least not from someone who has a lot more wisdom and experience. The way you said it actually shocked me. Ma'am I'm sure PO1 would've replied in a nicer way if you responded in a nicer way. You could've possibly given him the perspective that you're an A**hole, which I'm sure you're not. =)

Very well said SrA Hudson :) And yeah, I didn't mean to come off poorly either and apologize if it was taken that way :)

SrA Hudson, thank you, I did not consider people would really listen to what I said. I will definitely pay more attention and I appreciate the well thought out response. I apologize if I offended you. And SSgt Biscoe I suggest we start over again. Mulligan?

Sounds good to me :D

With all due respect, according to DSM-5, Gender Dysphoria is a disorder. Referring to them as mentally ill is very outdated. And if you choose to attach that label, then should we do the same with other disorders listed such as OCD, ADHD, Anxiety Disorder, Depression, PTSD, Motor Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sleep-Wake Disorders, Substance Abuse Disorders, etc...? There is such a negative stigma attached to these labels, and yet the irony is most of us have suffered from one of these disorders within our lifetime. When our heart is open to learn, without labeling or judgment, it is then we become a student for life.

LCpl, the other disorders you mentioned are recognized and treated as disorders. Nobody tries to normalize them, they try to treat those afflicted with them. Why then is gender dysphoria, another disorder, treated as a "lifestyle choice" and encouraged?

CH (MAJ) Dale Forrester I am glad you included crazy people, now I feel represented.. lol

SFC, with all due respect, I disagree. Of course society tries to normalize certain disorders. Such examples are Tobacco-Related Disorders, Caffeine-Related Disorders, and Sleep-Wake Disorders. Some get treated, while others do not. Society has definitely embraced these as normal, or at least acceptable disorders. I think Gender Dysphoria has replaced the stigma that being gay use to have.

...Up until the 1970's, homosexuality was listed as a disorder. In 1973, the weight of empirical data, coupled with changing social norms and the development of a politically active gay community in the United States, led the Board of Directors of the American Psychiatric Association to remove homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Some psychiatrists who fiercely opposed their action subsequently circulated a petition calling for a vote on the issue by the Association's membership. That vote was held in 1974, and the Board's decision was ratified.
Subsequently, a new diagnosis, ego-dystonic homosexuality, was created for the DSM's third edition in 1980. Ego dystonic homosexuality was indicated by: (1) a persistent lack of heterosexual arousal, which the patient experienced as interfering with initiation or maintenance of wanted heterosexual relationships, and (2) persistent distress from a sustained pattern of unwanted homosexual arousal.

This new diagnostic category, however, was criticized by mental health professionals on numerous grounds. It was viewed by many as a political compromise to appease those psychiatrists – mainly psychoanalysts – who still considered homosexuality a pathology. Others questioned the appropriateness of having a separate diagnosis that described the content of an individual's dysphoria. They argued that the psychological problems related to ego-dystonic homosexuality could be treated as well by other general diagnostic categories, and that the existence of the diagnosis perpetuated antigay stigma.

Moreover, widespread prejudice against homosexuality in the United States meant that many people who are homosexual go through an initial phase in which their homosexuality could be considered ego dystonic. According to the American Psychiatric Association, "Fears and misunderstandings about homosexuality are widespread.... [and] present daunting challenges to the development and maintenance of a positive self-image in gay, lesbian and bisexual persons and often to their families as well."

In 1986, the diagnosis was removed entirely from the DSM. The only vestige of ego dystonic homosexuality in the revised DSM-III occurred under Sexual Disorders Not Otherwise Specified, which included persistent and marked distress about one's sexual orientation (American Psychiatric Association, 1987; see Bayer, 1987, for an account of the events leading up to the 1973 and 1986 decisions).

You see it as a lifestyle choice and feel it is encouraged. Attend a support group for family and friends of people with those "so-called choice" lifestyles. You might find yourself having a change of heart. All it takes is a an hour or two of your time, with the willingness to listen and learn from others who are experiencing it first hand. One such support group is PFLAG. I hope you will consider it.

You know it this day age, it shouldn't be a issue no longer.  This Zero Tolerance has gotten all way out of hand.  We train people to be prepared to take lives as they  try to preserve our Nation and Freedoms.  Really who cares if the person standing next to you in the foxhole is male/female/transgender.  As long as they are alive and pulling the trigger.  If they make pass at you and not comfortable with it, take care like they use to cold cock them.  Sometimes the old ways were best were/are the best ways to take care of differences.  This Zero Tolerance for any behavior that doesn't fit into clean organize box settings is the U.S. Military biggest problem when it goes to downsize.  Because in a little while it will be filled with largely 'Garrison Soldiers' and not enough of the 'Trade and Craft Soldiers' who have honed their instinct overseas the last several years that will keep the next generation alive when they deployed.

There are always workable solutions for shower/latrine usage.  One of things with the addition of Women to traditional combat units, maybe they need to add something like family bathroom like you see in many department store in areas.  So the transgender have a place to go use the latrine regular without making anyone feel uncomfortable.  Figure the showering out at whatever level they are quarter at, it not too hard to figure out.  Last I look supposed everyone in the military was adults legally, even though I know damn well at time very few show it.

SSG Smith your solution wouldn't do too well on a submarine.

PO1 John Y. Scheduled usage of showers and privacy stalls for latrines would most likely be the perfect solution for the situation, even on a submarine, if not especially on a submarine. The limited space to add facilities, shift rotations on a "ship's clock", and the crew's determination to make absolutely every thing work guided by a skilled leader in the Captain and XO would be a perfect place for scheduled usage to work. The slight leadership challenge in equitable scheduling would be a great organization and relations building exercise for junior leaders.

Didn't say it would be perfect everywhere in every situation. With submarines, with the limitation of space, everyone would have to work harder to make things work. Nothing is never impossible, it is only improbable. The main limitation is people with closed minds who are unwilling to change, which is the only constant in the universe.

Being transgender is not a choice. Nobody would choose to live a life full of depression, harassment, hatred and unacceptance. The article you shared is not very applicable to this discussion. Instead, you should be reading about actual service members who are transgender.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/23/opinion/paige-wilson-transgender-troops-military/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/transgender-military-members-are-in-a-precarious-position/2014/10/27/38204fd6-5870-11e4-b812-38518ae74c67_story.html

It's very relevant. It shows the mental state of some who choose the path of gender reassignment. So she didn't serve, big deal, but her mental state is in question. Would you want to serve with someone like that?

If they are suffering from such poor mental health, they should tend to get those problems resolved and not endanger others by being in the service. The types of problems that the MIDN LTFG mentions would indicate the inability to make sound choices. They could do reckless things that endanger everyone that is around them. It would also increase the possibility of suicidal and homicidal tendencies. The first as a means to escape the pain and suffering and the second as a means to punish those that are perceived to cause the pain and suffering.

I agree with both CPLs above. What is the military, a mutual support group for people who, "live a life full of depression, harassment, hatred and unacceptance"? We need well-adjusted people who can face the gunbarrel of the enemy without breaking down into an anxiety attack. MIDN Marberry, you are making our argument for us.

yes all discrimination is wrong. im really surprised you had to ask that question lol

SSgt Kevin Hopkins, I ask because many don't understand what true discrimination is. If all discrimination is bad then the discrimination by the military of those with medical conditions is also bad. Is it not? Or is it possible that discrimination can be good OR bad?

http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/disqualifiers-medical-conditions.html

medical conditions that keep you from doing a job is not a discrimination

SSgt Kevin Hopkins, hmmm, interesting comment. Can you define discrimination? Also, if an individual in a wheelchair goes to a recruiter to join the military as an infantryman, what do you think the recruiter will say? Would you say "no"? Isn't this discrimination? If it's not, then what exactly is it?

Candace,
I am surprising myself with my own response but,,, I agree with you. I didn't want it to come to this but I am only 1 person. Only 1% serve so maybe this will widen the field. There may be issues initially so we'll see how it goes. And sure, if as you say they can complete the mission objective that will be a good thing. So here we go. For which MOS will the majority elect? That will be interesting to observe. I hope they all realize they will be under the microscope and a huge spotlight. Will Drill Sergeants have to ask how they want to be identified, as a man of woman? Gonna' be interesting to say the least!