Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Sunday, January 13, 2013
TAVA Turns 10
Posted by Monica Roberts at 10:00 AM

http://transgriot.blogspot.com/2013/01/tava-turns-10.html (http://transgriot.blogspot.com/2013/01/tava-turns-10.html)

This year also marks the 10th birthday of the Transgender American Veterans Association  which was founded in January 2003 by Monica Helms and Angela Brightfeather out of growing concerns for the fair and equal treatment of transgender veterans and active duty service members.

[...]

Now they are at a critical crossroads as to whether to build on that success or fold the organization. 

As TAVA founding president Monica Helms stated on her Facebook page:

    Yesterday was TAVA's 10 year anniversary. Sadly, it may be our last. We did accomplish our primary mission when in June 2010, the VA initiated a directive that shows how to treat trans veterans properly. Two days after that came out, we received E-mails and calls from transgender veterans who said it worked. You don't know how wonderful that felt.

    But, all the board members (the ones who are left) are all over 60 and we are tired. Other organizations, such as OutServe and NCTE are taking up the slack. TAVA's board is in the process of deciding how we need to "fade out," and there is some contention on how it should be done. All we ask of our friends is to understand and support our decision, whichever direction it goes. We appreciate all your support over the years. YOU are the ones who helped us fulfill our primary mission. We love you for that.

I've always had a soft spot for TAVA and what they have done. I hope that they stay because there's still work to be done.
Young folks could be trained and prepared. I'm a veteran and proud of my service.  


:)