Calling all TG Veterans. Military/Fire/EMS/Law

[Jessynecessity]

As a veteran myself, I am super interested in finding those of you who have served in ANY capacity. Army, FEMA, Red Cross, Fire Dept., any service to your country. I am also interested in which gender you served as, and how that felt.

[Jessynecessity]

Ok, I will start.

I was in the Army, as a male. I deployed to Afghanistan. I was in a Ranger Battalion. It drove me to suicide, and ultimately ruined my career there. This opened the door for transition, leading me to where I am today.

I served in the Fire Department as a stealth woman. My fellow firefighters did not know and I did not tell. I was also an EMT. I loved my service there, but it wore me down. My Chief is begging me to come back, but that is probably not best for me right now. After SRS and settling in with my family I am seriously considering the option.

[stephaniec]

My service was long ago  as an MP and male. 71-73

[Deborah]

I retired from the Army after 20 years as a male.  I was an officer so about 10 years as a mechanized Infantry platoon leader or Airborne Infantry Company Commander and Bde S3 plans officer.  I was also a Ranger but not in the Ranger Regiment.  The last 10 years were in a variety of other positions.  While being trans and feeling like I often didn't fit in I managed ok because I just told myself I had no options and I would deal with it after retirement.  Plus being an Army Paratrooper was worth it, trans or not.


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[FTMax]

Hi Amy,

I was a police cadet for 3 years at a state university pre-transition. I had no issues with it, aside from being forced to participate in the female-only self defense course that we were required to do. I probably could've avoided it if I had come out, but I wasn't ready to do that at the time.

After graduation I was hired by a major metropolitan police department on the east coast, and worked there for two years without transitioning. I enjoyed the job, didn't like the chief of police, and overall didn't think it was the right environment for me to transition in. Looking back now and seeing how progressive the department has gotten in the last few years since I've been out, I wish I had stayed in. I am considering asking to be reinstated after I have bottom surgery.

[Devlyn]

Thank you for your service! I was 16P 1983-1987. My service ended 21 years before I had any inkling that I was transgender. Stop by my veterans thread Roll Call! when you get a chance. 

Hugs, Devlyn

[TG CLare]

I did 12 years as an infantryman with the Canadian Forces and upon my release did almost 32 years as a correctional officer in a maximum security setting. For the most part I was able to keep my inner self supressed but it became stronger as I got older. It got to the point where I told my superintendent I was trans and would try to keep my inner self from having to transition at work. Eventually, I couldn't deny my inner self any longer, took an early retirement and have never looked back.

Coming to grips with my inner self was the best thing I ever did.

Love,
Clare

[Jessynecessity]

...being an Army Paratrooper was worth it, trans or not.

Hooah!

[jennyfer]

11 years Army; field artillery, commanded a firing battery, airborne, etc.  I managed OK, but it was not at the time a healthy environment for LGBT folks.  I do hope it is much better now.

[KathyLauren]

Eight years as a pilot in the Canadian Air Force, as a male.  Ten years as a volunteer firefighter.

[Kibi]

5 years US Navy - Boiler Technician during Operation United Shield during the mid-90's.  I was still presenting Male and did not understand what trans* meant to me at the time, because I did not understand myself back then.

[gennee]

I served stateside in the 1st MEDDAC Division 1971-74.

[Joelene9]

  There is a main thread on military active/reserve/veterans called Roll Call.
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,96755.480.html

  I was in the US Navy in 1971-1975. Aboard the USS John F Kennedy attached to an attack squadron.

Joelene

[lily paige]

Currenty working for police have been for last 2 years. They have good policy's inplace so hopefully wont be bad when i come out

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[Stochastic]

Wildland firefighter for three years. I was close to receiving engine operator qualifications but left for a different position away from fire. I still maintain qualifications but feel I am too old to participate on a hand crew. Also volunteered as a boat operator in flood response teams.

[Jessica Merriman]

27 years as a Paramedic/Flight Medic, ACLS, PHTLS, PALS, Firefighter II and Reserve Deputy Sheriff IV(Patrol and Drug interdiction).

[Joi]

Joined the USMC in 1966.  Made it through boot camp and infantry regiment training without any problems.  Sent to NAS Jax to train as an Aviation Ordinance Specialist in early 1967.  Dysphoria reared its ugly head while there.  Asked for help.  They said no way!  This was in the dark ages for trans folks.  Was able to exit with a General Discharge  (They wanted to give me an Undesirable). Saved my VA benefits thank goodness. I was just 19.