Susan's Place Transgender Resources

So here I am, laying down for the time being, after a three day Army Reserve training. And I was just thinking about different things, maybe someone might be able to assist me with my thoughts and ideas.
As per my military career I have been all over the place, from California to Georgia, and back to California (being army reserve all the way through my 8 years of service and another 6 to go). Returning to my first duty station in California, with a handful of the original soldiers from before my venture out not much has changed except the progression of more of a diversity in the backgrounds everyone has. As well as, knowing that my commander I had known personally from Georgia, and another lower enlisted from the southern state side army unit.
So as per returning to this unit, back in September, I was picking and choosing through casual conversation, of who would be more tolerant to my own case (without of course putting myself as transgender) and had figured at a bare minimum there is at least a 60% acceptance rate. As per last month I had come out to two other soldiers, one female and the other male, and I have their unwavering support. This month I had told another soldier about myself, in any case he is accepting as well. This month it sort of came up by discussions on first names and all by soldiers around the commons and such.
So I at least have a support group, and possibly will be extending that more as we progress closer to the time of where the ban will be lifted.

But to some perilous thoughts and concerns to my transition as well as of it might affect my military career in any way.

As per when I initially signed up my contract for the Army, I was kicked back a month due to the fact I had seen a psychiatrist long ago, and had to find my doctor, get a hand written statement that I was in good health and get a medical waiver to progress into the Army. Though this is only really the background for my concern as of right now. My concerning thoughts is that with my career choice, I have a tier two secret clearance with a year left before it needs to be renewed. In my case, if i were to see a therapist currently, to start my transition, would this have any effect in possibly not being able to regain my secret clearance which is necessary for my military occupation?

Since my revelation to myself as well as starting to gain a foot in good relation to other soldiers within my ranks in my current unit. I have outwardly told two from my other California unit who had supported me as well. But then again other than having the support through the select few that I have told. I know I will need to eventually have a talk with my first sergeant and commander about it. What would be a starting point for myself, would a visit to the chaplain be a starting point to progress myself to where we might be able to figure anything out, or as well as in my unit there are also several ordained ministers with a confidential disposition.

These are my main concerns with the military, and the answers might be very obvious on what to do, but I would really like second and third opinions on the matters at hand.

Kate <3

My opinion as US Army retired is that if you intend to remain in the Army then don't do any more until the trans ruling is made public.  While I think it will be positive, that's not guaranteed.  Right now people are not being discharged but even that could change.  It's only a wait of a few more months.

As far as the clearance I don't think this will affect it unless the psychologist diagnosis you with something else that would indicate mental instability.


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As a former S-2 that processed security clearances, I will say that as of a few years ago they lightened up a little bit on the psychiatric side of things however I still think that look unfavorably on any type of psychiatric involvement. Their biggest worry would be thats the information of you being trans could be used to blackmail you into revealing secret information.

I hope one day the army will evolve past the silly bans on psychiatric help because Lord knows we need it at times. But for the sake of your job I would not reveal anything yet unless you're ready to get processed out.

I think a chaplain would know his/her way around and you could get some good information.

The risk you have is if the decision this spring is negative and the Republicans win the election next year I expect all protections would end.  If you are already out and transitioning you may get discharged automatically.


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I mean with the military, I dont hate it, I just dislike the waiting involved. It just frustrates me, and basically puts me in a huge stasis bubble for just about everything else I NEED to accomplish.
This is my basically why I haven't started anything, except the changing over of my wardrobe.
At my civilian side job, I can't switch over to my preferred name due to the stupidest rulings based off the union, best I was able to do is refer to me by my last name... Though within the same company, and if I went back to some of my old stores they would probably work with me on the matter.

If the ruling of the ban does not lift, then at a minimum I will have to stay at a minimum of 4 years so they do not decide to totally financially chop my head off.

I'm just literally hoping for the best. Thanks again for everyone's input.

Kate <3

I got kicked out for GID and the DD-214 said Personality Disorder. I did not lose my clearance.

Careful with the chaplain. I went that route too. He made me suicidal, which ultimately resulted in me getting kicked out when I had to go to Mental Health to get straightened out. When I did it, it was 20 years ago and most people knew nothing of transgender, so maybe chaplains are nicer to us now.

If you get a Southern Baptist or Catholic chaplain don't expect much sympathy.


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Patience now for a lifetime decision is what I recommend. Ban is rumored to be lifted in May/June.

Only confide in those professionals who have your confidentiality in mind, and then don't give them any confirmation on your trans status without knowing whether they are legally bound to report it (i.e. they have to report harm to yourself or another).

My military dilemma is different.  I'm retired and legally have protections but in my job I'm deeply embedded in the combat arms community so I'm really unsure how it would be received.  Incremental and under the radar things haven't been a problem but an outright announcement might be.  So I'm really interested in this upcoming decision too and wait to see its effects.


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Quote from: Deborah on January 11, 2016, 02:08:50 PM
My military dilemma is different.  I'm retired and legally have protections but in my job I'm deeply embedded in the combat arms community so I'm really unsure how it would be received.  Incremental and under the radar things haven't been a problem but an outright announcement might be.  So I'm really interested in this upcoming decision too and wait to see its effects.


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I'm a contractor to DoD. I'll be making the announcement as soon as my name change finishes, probably a couple months. Scary.

I mean I know I need to be patient, but it sometimes gets really thin. I haven't really given my transgender status to anyone that could potentially end my career, but I don't really know for how long I can hold off on everything. I want to get the show on the road, and this static position is simply giving me frustration. I know for my occupation as network operations and cyber security, it may or may not be any issues if I transition, due to not necessarily being front line material.

Kate <3

If they change the rules it isn't going to make any difference whether one is in the Infantry or a cook.  If you meet the job standards then you'll be ok.  Same thing if they don't change the rules.  It won't matter what job you have. 

Since the Army will have all jobs open to women beginning in April there is no barrier for trans people anywhere except in the current exclusion.


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Very true. I just hope the decision made is favorable. I mean not to sound selfish in my own situation, but for everyone it will affect. I mean I don't personally know other transgender military personnel myself, but from the whole collective data that the different studies have done.
It would seriously throw back literally thousands of lives basically to the streets. Even if others have saved money away, that would only last so long as to keep anyone afloat, not to mention a lifestyle shock back into a non military life.

Kate <3