Transgender Navy SEAL 'Warrior Princess' Comes Out

[FTMDiaries]

So proud of her.

And I loved Anderson Cooper's interview. Somebody needs to send that clip to Fox News, so that they can see how you should do a story about a transsexual woman. Not that they'd care, but anyway.

Brava!

[Jess42]

I'm not too sure about that. I used to post on a pro-gun board, where members boast of their military time (and this particular board has an icon for verified military service; some of the biggest boasters were ex-mil)...and they are all, to a man, homophobic and lividly trans-phobic. Most of them are also hard-core Christian.

I tend to not make blanket statements about the "honor" of former military (or anyone) because of the back-stabbing that goes on should a former member cross the line into "enemy" territory. It's one thing to hang someone for turning traitor in war; it's a totally different game when it's "just" an individual thing.

Yeah, your right Beth. I am ex military, pro gun and extremely spiritual too but I just happened to be transgendered but I think I would not have the same attitudes that other's seem to have. I guess we will never rid ourselves of the judgmental, better than you crowd from any niches in society. I have long hair, wear two earings and sort of skinny now and even in guy mode in which I look comletely like a slob, I get wierd looks and have always gotten the remark of, "is that a woman or a man?". Kinda' like in Bob Segar's song. But since I have a thick southern accent, wear nothing but jeans, tshirt and hiking shoes in guy mode I get the "stupid, dumb redneck" reaction from the LGBT community.

I just wish and hope someday that a person can live ther lives truly how they want to live it without judgment or negative reactions from other's.

[Shantel]

Yeah, your right Beth. I am ex military, pro gun and extremely spiritual too but I just happened to be transgendered but I think I would not have the same attitudes that other's seem to have. I guess we will never rid ourselves of the judgmental, better than you crowd from any niches in society. I have long hair, wear two earings and sort of skinny now and even in guy mode in which I look comletely like a slob, I get wierd looks and have always gotten the remark of, "is that a woman or a man?". Kinda' like in Bob Segar's song. But since I have a thick southern accent, wear nothing but jeans, tshirt and hiking shoes in guy mode I get the "stupid, dumb redneck" reaction from the LGBT community.

I just wish and hope someday that a person can live ther lives truly how they want to live it without judgment or negative reactions from other's.

+1 I will add my resounding amen to that Jess!

I'm not the least bit surprised at the reactions to Ms. Beck by both camps. I think she's got major kahones for that interview, I wouldn't be capable of doing it because I know that even if I looked like Marilyn Monroe at her best, there would still be the howler monkeys on the side of the road of life pointing and hopping up and down in derision. This is why so many complete their transition and quietly disappear for good, I can't say that I blame them. Having served in the paratroops in a war zone myself I became curious and discovered that there are a surprising number of former special-ops warriors who transition later. I met one who retired after 20 years who was a 1st Sgt of a ranger company at Ft. Lewis-McCord. She is now living her dream as a complete woman and has likewise disappeared to another city to assume her new role in life.

[Jess42]

I can't blame anyone for dropping out and assumming a different Identity either. Actually I knda' admire and envy them for doing so.

There are always "monkeys" throwing the crap at you. The best I even dare to hope for is that they miss or if they hit me, it doesn't stick. Kind of a digusting analogy, I know.

A surprising number of special ops? That really doesn't surprise me. It is one of the most macho jobs that there is. It is also why we, more often than not, choos the most masculine reeking professions that there is. We lie and then try to prove our masculinity, especially those of us that grew up in certain eras and for self preservation or psychologically assurity, tried to prove that masculinity that we tried so hard to find within ourselves. And then we figured out that the masculinity was just a farce we tried to have in ourselves for a self image that ended up being a lie. I ain't no exception to this because I have chosen ultra masculine jobs,ultra masculine hobbies in which I had no interest in or out and out hated doing and lot womanizing in my younger days. Crap, I have lied my butt off. This is just a psychological explaination and one that seems to be true in a whole lot of cases.

But either way, I won't and can't condem, judge, belittle or critisize anyone choosing to live their life how they want. All I ask is the same freedom, comfort and lack of critisism toward me to live mine. We all know this ain't ever gonna' happen without a lot of discourse from a lot of people that see themselves as "normal" and are extremely willing to point out other people's "abnormalcy" in order to validate their sense of ill concieved "self importanc.

[Sammy]

A surprising number of special ops? That really doesn't surprise me. It is one of the most macho jobs that there is. It is also why we, more often than not, choos the most masculine reeking professions that there is. We lie and then try to prove our masculinity, especially those of us that grew up in certain eras and for self preservation or psychologically assurity, tried to prove that masculinity that we tried so hard to find within ourselves. And then we figured out that the masculinity was just a farce we tried to have in ourselves for a self image that ended up being a lie. I ain't no exception to this because I have chosen ultra masculine jobs,ultra masculine hobbies in which I had no interest in or out and out hated doing and lot womanizing in my younger days. Crap, I have lied my butt off. This is just a psychological explaination and one that seems to be true in a whole lot of cases.

I agree with this 100%! And I also wanted to add that despite that all being lies and farce, many of us outperforms men in those professions and hobbies. Sad, but true.

[Shantel]

We all know this ain't ever gonna' happen without a lot of discourse from a lot of people that see themselves as "normal" and are extremely willing to point out other people's "abnormalcy" in order to validate their sense of ill concieved "self importanc.

There it is, that's the very crux of the whole thing, you nailed it!

[DanicaCarin]

One word... Awesome! She has courage, class, brains. She'll go far! 

[Jess42]

I agree with this 100%! And I also wanted to add that despite that all being lies and farce, many of us outperforms men in those professions and hobbies. Sad, but true.

It's really not that sad Sammy. True yes but not sad. This is just my opinion and my view of things but I think a lot of women are more or less jelous of us because we, M2F, wholeheartedly, without guilt, embrace femininity and actually revel and thrive in it where cis females seem to have started feeling guilty or shameful of their femininity because of the femininst movement. This could also be why a lot of women are posting negative comments about Kristin. I, in turn, also think that when we are living the "Great Lie" we are about the toughest most macho S.O.B.s out there. I know that's what I strived for with barroom brawls and womanizing and countless other things. As a matter of fact, I would be willing to bet that a transwoman is more feminine than a cis woman on a lot if not all levels. Why not, we were more manly when we were trying to be men. Just something to think about.

There it is, that's the very crux of the whole thing, you nailed it!

Shantel. Even as complex as the human mind is, humans are one of the most predictable animals on Earth due to self image. When a person tries to make another feel bad about themselves, it gives them a sense that they themselves aren't wrong in their own lives. I have seen gaybashers and trashers turn out gay or bi themselves later on.

[Naomi]

It's really not that sad Sammy. True yes but not sad. This is just my opinion and my view of things but I think a lot of women are more or less jelous of us because we, M2F, wholeheartedly, without guilt, embrace femininity and actually revel and thrive in it where cis females seem to have started feeling guilty or shameful of their femininity because of the femininst movement. This could also be why a lot of women are posting negative comments about Kristin. I, in turn, also think that when we are living the "Great Lie" we are about the toughest most macho S.O.B.s out there. I know that's what I strived for with barroom brawls and womanizing and countless other things. As a matter of fact, I would be willing to bet that a transwoman is more feminine than a cis woman on a lot if not all levels. Why not, we were more manly when we were trying to be men. Just something to think about.

Shantel. Even as complex as the human mind is, humans are one of the most predictable animals on Earth due to self image. When a person tries to make another feel bad about themselves, it gives them a sense that they themselves aren't wrong in their own lives. I have seen gaybashers and trashers turn out gay or bi themselves later on.

I ended up avoiding the real military by telling myself that it wasn't the best route to reach my career goals, but I ended up as a Cadet Commander in the Army's JROTC program during high school, an Eagle Scout, and among anyone I know I make the best "that's what she said jokes." :/ I'd say I was pretty good at being a "man". To be fair I still love uniforms but my high school was one heck of a homophobic man's man environment.

[Shantel]

Shantel. Even as complex as the human mind is, humans are one of the most predictable animals on Earth due to self image. When a person tries to make another feel bad about themselves, it gives them a sense that they themselves aren't wrong in their own lives. I have seen gaybashers and trashers turn out gay or bi themselves later on.

Undoubtedly true! There are several known instances of preachers who were most vitriolic about GLBTI types and it later turns out that they harbor those same skeletons in their own closet. When they do protest too much it is a dead giveaway that something is invariably amiss!

[Jess42]

I ended up avoiding the real military by telling myself that it wasn't the best route to reach my career goals, but I ended up as a Cadet Commander in the Army's JROTC program during high school, an Eagle Scout, and among anyone I know I make the best "that's what she said jokes." :/ I'd say I was pretty good at being a "man". To be fair I still love uniforms but my high school was one heck of a homophobic man's man environment.

Naomi, I really can't tell you the military was a bad thing for me because it is one of the greatest times of my life. It is kinda bittersweet in that I had to supress a whole lot of self expression and so on. If you saw me you would see why, but still it was one for the record books.

Uniforms, yuuuuccccckkkk. This is one of the biggest problems I had with the military because I can't stand looking like everyone else. In other words Uniformity isn't my thing. I actually like being different.

Undoubtedly true! There are several known instances of preachers who were most vitriolic about GLBTI types and it later turns out that they harbor those same skeletons in their own closet. When they do protest too much it is a dead giveaway that something is invariably amiss!

You're right Shantel. I knew some gaybashing aquaintances in school. I also played in a band with some school friends in the eighties and with Motley Crue and Poison being the big groups, we wore feminine make up, teased our hair to make it big and wore skin tight skimpy clothing to keep up with the Glam Rock look. We pretty much looked like girls, even somewhat strangely dressed ones, and we would go from a gig to whatever party was happening in our gig looks. Come to think of it, maybe all of my bandmates were secretely trans because we would reapply the makeup after sweating all of it off during a gig before we got to ther party.  Everyone knew us and no one had even a hint that I was trans but one of the infamous gayhaters tried hitting on me at the keg while he was drunk. Thinking back, it was really a compliment that I looked like such a girl, even a badgirl. One of my bandmates took pictures, with a Poloroid camera and as it turns out, the gay hater never had another bad thing to say about gays again. Eventually the guy that hit on me, opened up and admitted he was gay and actually thanked me in our senior year. I thanked him too, even though he didn't really understand why at the time, and we were good friends until I joined the Army. Later, after we graduated school and moved on to "bigger and better" things, I confided to him as to why I thanked him and we both had a good laugh over it. Even his SO laughed and jokingly called me a tramp. Just goes to show that the loudest voices against something turn out to be that which they show the most hate and contempt for.

[Sammy]

I ended up avoiding the real military by telling myself that it wasn't the best route to reach my career goals, but I ended up as a Cadet Commander in the Army's JROTC program during high school, an Eagle Scout, and among anyone I know I make the best "that's what she said jokes." :/ I'd say I was pretty good at being a "man". To be fair I still love uniforms but my high school was one heck of a homophobic man's man environment.

I avoided forced conscription and became a student. Then, during the my first year I almost joined the voluntary paramilitary forces (kinda like National Guard in the US) - I signed up but then I did not show up, because the schedule did not fit my my studies... Yeah, and before I settled with law studies, I almost joined the Military Academy - but when I thought about barrack regime realistically - I dropped that idea immediately . Still, during the studies I continued practicing martial arts, completed the basic small arms course - just in case, cliffhanging for one year, archery, fencing, which turned into swordfighting, which turned into historical re-enactment (medieval period), black powder artillery and equestrian... I was not the best, but I was considered very good in what we did and also kind-spirited - not Your macho type, but someone, who can and will calm things down, but once the s..t has hit the fan, will join the frail without hesitation . I was often scared, but that adrenaline rush was awesome . And those moments, when You send horse into gallop and lower Your lance to hit the target dummy... Or when You are facing a shield wall of guys full of adrenaline and testosterone, their armor shining, visors closed, You dont see any faces, just halberds on the second row, knowing as soon as they clash with Your lines all that heavy steel goodness is going to rain upon Your head... The charge, brace, impact, fear and then Your thoughts just shut down and Your body starts "doing business"...  I dunno if I must be ashamed, but I have to admit that it felt good...

[daynejule]

I have discussed this with friends who are ex Navy Seals and Special Ops. They told me to be careful about mentioning this to others with that background because of their fierce pride for what they went through. I told them she was all that and more because she sacrificed more because of her stealth about her true self. The day after I first read about her I told my barber to give me a high and tight flat top to show my respect for her. She is my new hero. I am transmale.

[V M]

I have no problem with a former SEAL being trans, I do however have a problem with braggarts who break the SEAL code for personal gain

Part of the SEAL code is to never speak of it to anyone at any time for any reason, it is appalling to observe various folks breaking this code, Whither you are selling pizzas or selling a book, there should be no reason to exploit services rendered

It is the exploitation for personal gain that disgusts me



Anyway, that's how I feel, sorry if anyone is offended

[peky]

Undoubtedly true! There are several known instances of preachers who were most vitriolic about GLBTI types and it later turns out that they harbor those same skeletons in their own closet. When they do protest too much it is a dead giveaway that something is invariably amiss!

Since I am a bitch and a THTT...I am going to say that I did have second thoughts after seeing the video for a second time...what is with the "peace sign" earrings...political statement?

[Shantel]

I have no problem with a former SEAL being trans, I do however have a problem with braggarts who break the SEAL code for personal gain

Part of the SEAL code is to never speak of it to anyone at any time for any reason, it is appalling to observe various folks breaking this code, Whither you are selling pizzas or selling a book, there should be no reason to exploit services rendered

It is the exploitation for personal gain that disgusts me

Anyway, that's how I feel, sorry if anyone is offended

It shouldn't offend anyone, it's an excellent point and something that was nagging in the back of my mind since I first read about this event, you are right on many levels and also because it undermines the organization as well as the nation. She should have gone about this quietly and just moved on with her life as so many others have. There are a few who are close and supportive but most will consider her a pariah and a dark blot on their organization. We can say well that's not fair and it high time that we are recognized more universally, but we all know that life's not fair and it will never happen as long as people are human.

[Jamie D]

"In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation's call; a common man with uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America's finest special operations forces to serve his country and the American people, and to protect their way of life. I am that man."

Chris Beck was that man.  Kristin Beck is still fighting for us as a civilian woman.

[Jess42]

"In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation's call; a common man with uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America's finest special operations forces to serve his country and the American people, and to protect their way of life. I am that man."

Chris Beck was that man.  Kristin Beck is still fighting for us as a civilian woman.

I take it that quote is out of her bookJamie? I will go as far as to say that anyone willing to give up what these people do in Spec Ops are anything but common. They are willing to lay down their lives for God knows what agenda a government has or for the good of their countrymates. I figure it could go either way there when it comes to governments. Lost intimacy with their significant others in that what they do they can't really talk about. So the "how was your day?" conversation is out the window. They have to be prepared to deploy anywhere on the face of the planet in a moment's notice without telling their significant others where or when they will be back, if they aren't killed in action.

This goes for any Spec Ops in any country around the world. Just completing the training alone, in my opinion, makes them special. Their significant others, whether military sanctioned or not, are also special because that particular job also affects their lives too. If you think about it, what if you came home one evening and your mate didn't because of a deployment? You don't know where, if they are killed, you will probably never know why and you have no idea when you will see them again if ever? It takes a lot of intestinal fortitude for these folks to have a relationship with these Spec Ops soldiers and in some ways more than the soldier themselves. I know I would rather be in the heat of battle with adrenaline flowing and things moving really fast than sitting at home experiencing anxiety and hoping for the best outcome but preparing yourself for the worst. The anxiety would be brutal.

[Amy The Bookworm]

I have no problem with a former SEAL being trans, I do however have a problem with braggarts who break the SEAL code for personal gain

Part of the SEAL code is to never speak of it to anyone at any time for any reason, it is appalling to observe various folks breaking this code, Whither you are selling pizzas or selling a book, there should be no reason to exploit services rendered

It is the exploitation for personal gain that disgusts me


Anyway, that's how I feel, sorry if anyone is offended

Nah, I don't think you've offended anyone, V M. It's a good, valid point.

... But at the same time . . . we need people who we can point to and say "We're good, hard working people, who care about our nation, and wish to contribute to society just like you." You being, Cis people. Who better than a Navy Seal? Think of the respect many people in and outside the military, even politicians, give special ops personel.

Is it exploitation? Yeah, maybe, especialy a political one. But you know what? It's a resource I think we need to exploit.

So long as she doesn't give out secret information in her book (and it shouldn't, most books written by military personel tend to be looked at before being published) I'm happy with her using her status to scream to the world that we deserve just as much respect as any other person in society. Her book is just as much about any one of us, as it is about herself.

I think people need to hear her story.

[Shantel]

I'm happy with her using her status to scream to the world that we deserve just as much respect as any other person in society. Her book is just as much about any one of us, as it is about herself.

I think people need to hear her story.

I love your enthusiasm Amy, but there is a big segment of society who are turned off by screamers. I think of the gay guy that had his name changed to Sissy->-bleeped-<- who along with a small army of like minded people invaded private and civic functions to spread the word that being gay is Ok, the intended effects were totally negative. People don't want their shell cracked and serenity disrupted by outsiders in whom they have no interest. Changes in the attitudes of the heart come incrementally through the crucible of long suffering patience. It isn't going to happen quickly as long as people are human beings.