Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I didn't see a link in other posts....

Trump announces ban on transgender people in U.S. military

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/07/26/trump-announces-ban-on-transgender-people-in-u-s-military/

Washington Post/by Abby Phillip, Thomas Gibbons Neff, Dan LaMotte  07/26/2017

How sad for the trans military members, and a setback to our community.  We may not be welcome, but we won't let that drag us down.  Keep fighting!

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-says-us-will-not-accept-or-allow-transgender-people-to-serve-in-us-military-in-any-capacity-twitter/ar-AAoRF2y

Trump bloviating on twitter again.  Hopefully we'll get some clarification from the Pentagon soon.  I expect this is catching DoD totally off guard and surprised.


Conform and be dull. —James Frank Dobie, The Voice of the Coyote

I cannot express how this news makes me feel. Let it be known I very much disagree with this action.

Laurie

So does he expect all trans individuals in the army to just resign now? Another one of his 'ideas' not thought through.

Clearly, Trump is the biggest disaster to ever hit the U.S..  It was obvious he wasn't fit for the position, long before the election.

Each and every twit of mr Trump so far was reversed next day and never came to a policy. The guy is a president's placeholder not a president with any defined policy (other than constant flip flopping). I believe the Army being conservative institution wouldn't reverse its policies that easy and betray its own people


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One thing that concerns me is how will this affect existing DoD policy in dealing with trans veterans.  Will the DoD remain open minded in revising DD214s?  Will the VA change policies in regard to trans care?  Will the VA stop paying for HRT?  Will they still provide trans related mental health care?   

To date all of my documentation changes have been completed except for changing the name on my DD214, which has been pending at BCNR for almost a year.  (VA records and DEERS are updated)  Hopefully it'll be approved before this trainwreck jumps the tracks, crashes and burns.  If they change policy and deny my request, I guess I'll just count myself as lucky to have a VA ID card. 

A shame really that this represents such a shift backwards.  Whilst not in the US forces, I saw "sharp end" combat in 3 war zones and performed well.  I'll admit I wasn't undergoing HRT, but I identified as transgender throughout my 22 year service and not once did it cause problems on the professional front.  The POTUS is being short sighted and just more than a bit ignorant, I truly believe our comrades-in-arms would be far more enlightened.

I knew it would happen... it's exactly why I didn't continue my re enlistment paperwork. I refuse to put myself back to a position where my healthcare and career can be destroyed at the drop of a hat from his administration.

It's not about military readiness, cost or lethality.
It's pure, straight up, bigotry.

So as some of you may know, I'm out at work with most of my coworkers, and my supervision.  This morning I was blind sighted by this news.  I had started a conversation with my supervisor about how I wanted to apply for a First Sgt Shadow program with a new first sgt that was added to the list.  This one was female, and so I felt more comfortable shadowing her.  When I said all this, my supervisor asks me if I had heard anything in the news yet.  I went to MSN.com immediately and this news was the front page slap in the face. Now I'm sitting here with my anxiety sky rocketing.  I'm afraid I'm going to lose my job – I knew this was a risk when I decided to come out, but I didn't want to be afraid anymore, and so I went through with it.
I haven't even started my transition yet.  Next month I was supposed to go to Lackland to meet with the medical team to discuss my transition plan.  I sent an email to my case manager to ask "What does this mean for me?" a little while ago, and so I'm waiting for that.  I don't know what to think.  At least my supervisor said that if I need to talk to someone at any time today that she's ok with it.
Feeling betrayed, confused, and afraid.
Ashley.

Unless this new ban excludes everyone who currently serves (and allows their future reenlistments as well) - whether already came out or not - that would be a betrayal. Inviting people to come out, then changing the policy and throwing them away. Unacceptable.

I hope that some LGBT group will challenge this, in the courts, if Trump tries to push it.

Quote from: KageNiko on July 26, 2017, 12:12:31 PM
So as some of you may know, I'm out at work with most of my coworkers, and my supervision.  This morning I was blind sighted by this news.  I had started a conversation with my supervisor about how I wanted to apply for a First Sgt Shadow program with a new first sgt that was added to the list.  This one was female, and so I felt more comfortable shadowing her.  When I said all this, my supervisor asks me if I had heard anything in the news yet.  I went to MSN.com immediately and this news was the front page slap in the face. Now I'm sitting here with my anxiety sky rocketing.  I'm afraid I'm going to lose my job – I knew this was a risk when I decided to come out, but I didn't want to be afraid anymore, and so I went through with it.
I haven't even started my transition yet.  Next month I was supposed to go to Lackland to meet with the medical team to discuss my transition plan.  I sent an email to my case manager to ask "What does this mean for me?" a little while ago, and so I'm waiting for that.  I don't know what to think.  At least my supervisor said that if I need to talk to someone at any time today that she's ok with it.
Feeling betrayed, confused, and afraid.
Ashley.

Big hug! Hang in there, honey. Im as shocked as you are. But COVFEFE hasn't become the law of the land, so let's just hope for the best.  :)

Hugs, Devlyn

Quote from: Kelly1ca on July 26, 2017, 12:26:35 PM
I hope that some LGBT group will challenge this, in the courts, if Trump tries to push it.

It will happen, yet the POTUS is the commander-in-chief, so I am afraid any challenge would die.

The only way is to replace enough senators and congressmen to shift both into D in the next midterm election and hope for a thorough legislative military reform saying that 'it's a right to serve in the military to anyone' (capable of passing their exam and fitness test).

Is there an online petition somewhere to mr. Trump to reconsider? If we get enough signatures, he might.


Edit: yes, there is! HTTPS://www.change.org/p/allow-transgender-people-into-the-u-s-military/   Sign yourself, share with your friends. I did

All I can do is be thankful that I'm a member of the Canadian Military. I just hope that this doesn't effect the lives and careers of my America brothers and sisters.

I just saw this flash on the news!!!! You know this is sick and really not right. We got rid of "don't ask, don't tell". This is really crazy to just say one class of persons can't serve their country because of what generals say!!! I can't believe I voted for Trump!!!!! I liked what he was going for but, this is a bad taste in my mouth. I should have did third party vote, oh well. Obviously, Trump hasn't learned from recent past of what happens when you start keeping out certain people in the military.

How do you know he won't twit tomorrow - 'don't ask don't tell' is back?


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Well, now I get to choose between medical help and finshing my contract. I literally just talked to a theripist on the phone the other day. Not sure if I have any kind of confidentiality. This was a messed up move. I can only imagine what its like not haveing a choice if your already  diagnosed. I hope everything works out for everyone.

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Quote from: Jailyn on July 26, 2017, 12:56:13 PM
I just saw this flash on the news!!!! You know this is sick and really not right. We got rid of "don't ask, don't tell". This is really crazy to just say one class of persons can't serve their country because of what generals say!!!

This wasn't because of the Generals.  The Pentagon didn't know anything about it.  This was because of the right wing anti-LGBT groups, otherwise known as Evangelical Christians, who are a major element of his base.



Conform and be dull. —James Frank Dobie, The Voice of the Coyote

Quote from: Deborah on July 26, 2017, 01:18:52 PM
This wasn't because of the Generals.  The Pentagon didn't know anything about it.  This was because of the right wing anti-LGBT groups, otherwise known as Evangelical Christians, who are a major element of his base.



Conform and be dull. —James Frank Dobie, The Voice of the Coyote

Well that makes sense!!!! I live in the south so yeah I know all about them. They came on my college campus one time spitting out things like "if you are gay or lesbian you are going to hell!!! If you are having sex out of marriage you are going to hell!!!!" They weren't well received as you can imagine on the campus. It very backwards thinking on evangelicals part because we are not going away!!!

Quote from: Jailyn on July 26, 2017, 01:26:26 PM
Well that makes sense!!!! I live in the south so yeah I know all about them. They came on my college campus one time spitting out things like "if you are gay or lesbian you are going to hell!!! If you are having sex out of marriage you are going to hell!!!!" They weren't well received as you can imagine on the campus. It very backwards thinking on evangelicals part because we are not going away!!!

Here is the Pentagon's statement.
http://tinyurl.com/y9tv8vf4


Conform and be dull. —James Frank Dobie, The Voice of the Coyote

Quote from: Jailyn on July 26, 2017, 01:26:26 PM
Well that makes sense!!!! I live in the south so yeah I know all about them. They came on my college campus one time spitting out things like "if you are gay or lesbian you are going to hell!!! If you are having sex out of marriage you are going to hell!!!!" They weren't well received as you can imagine on the campus. It very backwards thinking on evangelicals part because we are not going away!!!

Perhaps you should have responded "If you support Trump you're going to ..."   ;)

Democratic AND Republican members of Congress are directly speaking out against this Trumpian Travesty.
http://tinyurl.com/ycu2mkoh


Conform and be dull. —James Frank Dobie, The Voice of the Coyote

Hopefully, a twit post isn't a policy. Maybe it won't result in any actual executive or military order?


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Quote from: elkie-t on July 26, 2017, 03:14:57 PM
Hopefully, a twit post isn't a policy. Maybe it won't result in any actual executive or military order?

Hmmm....   "twit post" could be taken a couple of ways...   ;)

Let's hope it is short-lived and fails legal defense.

Resist this administration every chance you get.

What does this mean for veterans that depend on the VA for healthcare? I'm not a veteran but that would be horrible if it effected that.

I kinda agree on this because the cost of a Transgender is more then a cis person, Transgender just want to join and let the tax payers pay for their hrt and srt. This all boils down to money,money which the govt doesn't really have.  Let me ask this would anyone on this board be willing to pay for my transition without me putting any money into it?  I know I've been classified as a bigot because I see reality.

So I suppose you think I am undeserving of the Military health care that I will receive for the rest of my life.  And yes, one of the reasons I joined and stayed for 20 years was to receive this healthcare.  Is this your reality?

I'll be costing you, the taxpayer, money for the next 40 years for medical care.


Conform and be dull. —James Frank Dobie, The Voice of the Coyote

Quote from: cheryl reeves on July 26, 2017, 04:04:43 PM
I kinda agree on this because the cost of a Transgender is more then a cis person, Transgender just want to join and let the tax payers pay for their hrt and srt. This all boils down to money,money which the govt doesn't really have.  Let me ask this would anyone on this board be willing to pay for my transition without me putting any money into it?  I know I've been classified as a bigot because I see reality.

If you put your time in as service to this country, I couldn't care less.  To me it's the same as a soldier that develops cancer from being exposed to chemicals or the such then needing treatment for the cancer.

...or cases where additional training costs offset potential physical dexterity issues - does a firearm have a safety lever on one side or both?  Is that PC mouse or touchpad used for mission-critical tasks designed to be a bit easier for right-handed people?  I know that sounds minor, but at the size and scale of the military it adds up.  My earlier post proposing research to accurately measure the financial cost of being left handed, which can be justified in comparison to the benefits as left-handed people perform just as well as right-handed service members - if they are allowed to be left handed. 

My understanding is the Pentagon recently concluded transgender did not significantly impact the overall cost of operations because this involved a relatively small percentage of people.  And if the percentage grows and is blocked, what are the costs of recruiting from a smaller pool?

You cannot and should not arbitrarily deny healthcare. How is the need for viagra which the military apparently spends $80+ million on, more deserving of spending about $15M on for transgender care? Maybe we don't necessarily need erect male organs for national defense.

Hormones are cheap and do we really think that people will flock to the military in order to get GCS surgery? Suppose that does happen and now the military is spending 3X more on the $15M, so now you are still less cost than one treatment.

To me the argument of "flocking" is akin to the flawed logic that now men are going to dress up as trans women to prey upon people in bathrooms. It is a direct assault on LGTBIQ+ rights plain and simple. A cultural war thing to distract from the other challenges of serving the people and to raise money.

US Navy own study said transgender cost including GCS would be negligible and compared to the cost of building one tomahawk missile (or modern jet fighter)


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:o

I am speechless.

Fortunately, the president of my country does not use Twitter.

barbie~~

http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/26/politics/transgender-troops-voices/index.html

CNN/By Emanuella Griberg and Paul P. Murphy    07/26/2017

Quote from: cheryl reeves on July 26, 2017, 04:04:43 PM
I kinda agree on this because the cost of a Transgender is more then a cis person, Transgender just want to join and let the tax payers pay for their hrt and srt. This all boils down to money,money which the govt doesn't really have.  Let me ask this would anyone on this board be willing to pay for my transition without me putting any money into it?  I know I've been classified as a bigot because I see reality.

Devyl's advocate time.  >:-)

If a person presents as transgender and has to go through the full WPATH counseling, psychiatric, endocrinologist, RLE path with a standard military dose of hurry up and wait, the transition would never happen in a four year enlistment. So you're looking at a reenlistment. Do you know a lot of people who would sacrifice all the money they could make in the private sector for eight years to get a "free" surgery that only runs $20K for the finest surgeon? If you do, they're idiots with money. $2126 a month is all a PFC (pay grade E-3) makes a month nowadays. Don't think for a minute that's a forty hour work week either, kids. Therapy next week? Too bad, we're going to the field, you're going to have to reschedule. Surgery next summer? Nope, you're going to the sandbox...again.

Ya, that's a "free" surgery.

Hugs, Devlyn

Quote from: cheryl reeves on July 26, 2017, 04:04:43 PM
Transgender just want to join and let the tax payers pay for their hrt and srt.

I joined the military over ten years ago for one reason - to take care of my family.  I knew then that I wasn't normal, but I didn't know what it was.  So I liked girly things.  So I wanted people to look at me like I was a girly guy, so what?  But as time went on I knew in my heart what it really was, I just denied it as much as I could so that I could fit in.

I did not join for the reason you stated, and I'm offended that you even said it.

The last time (1995) I read the US Army Regulations, having a sex change (their language) will prohibit any individual from their first enlistment, but there was no similar prohibition for re-enlistment. From the news reports, this new policy will prohibit any transgender service member from any service in the military in any capacity, active or reserve. This is a much more stringent policy than before.

Horrible pandering to his ultra-conservative, transphobic base and Vice President.  Pence spoke out against Obama's decision to allow transpeople to openly serve from the beginning.  This is a clear attempt to distract the news cycle away from the Russia probe and the mean-spirited efforts to pull healthcare away from millions.  And this is a guy who campaigned to "make things better" for the LGBT community--just one more of countless lies.  Sad, but true.  If this tweet becomes policy, I predict that it will be reversed by the next Democratic president.  Nancy

As a currently serving CSM, I knew he would do this! I have been putting off going into the clinic  for my evaluation and to start HRT because my gut told me he would do this. Sad, we have all given so much to see him move us so far back, its like he wants us to go back to self-medicating and take a risk we shouldn't need to take. Sad, really Sad

Quote from: rebeccaanne07 on July 26, 2017, 06:53:27 PM
As a currently serving CSM, I knew he would do this! I have been putting off going into the clinic  for my evaluation and to start HRT because my gut told me he would do this. Sad, we have all given so much to see him move us so far back, its like he wants us to go back to self-medicating and take a risk we shouldn't need to take. Sad, really Sad

Yeah, well I'm the rankingest around here.  >:-) Welcome to Susan's Place, Rebeccaanne, and get yer behind over to Roll Call!  (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,96755.0.html) right now!  :)

Hugs, Devlyn

Quote from: rebeccaanne07 on July 26, 2017, 06:53:27 PM
As a currently serving CSM, I knew he would do this! I have been putting off going into the clinic  for my evaluation and to start HRT because my gut told me he would do this. Sad, we have all given so much to see him move us so far back, its like he wants us to go back to self-medicating and take a risk we shouldn't need to take. Sad, really Sad

Dear Rebecca

Welcome to Susan's

I hope that the US people will come to support their Trans Brothers and Sisters and not let the harm continue especially when things like this happen to you. It must make going forward for you very difficult

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Thank you so much, I am already looking at the links, appreciate it so much!!!

Quote from: cheryl reeves on July 26, 2017, 04:04:43 PM
I kinda agree on this because the cost of a Transgender is more then a cis person, Transgender just want to join and let the tax payers pay for their hrt and srt. This all boils down to money,money which the govt doesn't really have.  Let me ask this would anyone on this board be willing to pay for my transition without me putting any money into it?  I know I've been classified as a bigot because I see reality.

That is not reality.  That is not even critical thinking. Whenever you call out an entire group of people and say they all have some motive or behavior in common, you are not being remotely realistic. 

"I kinda agree on this because the cost of a Transgender is more then a cis person."

Really?  As someone already pointed out, the VA has spent more on Viagra have they have for SRS. Does a cis-person with PTSD , or an amputee, or a veteran with cancer cost less to treat than a transgender vet who wants to transition?  How do you know? Let's see some numbers to back up your claim.

I am a Navy civilian, and I volunteered for two tours of duty in Afghanistan as part of a counter-IED task force.  I continue to serve my country as a PhD scientist with research in forensics, remote sensing, materials science and explosives. Other than my insurance paying for my SRS, I have borne the cost of my transition out of my own pocket, and I am shocked beyond words that the POTUS thinks I should lose my job simply because I am transgender. 

There are thousands  of transgenders currently in uniform who have voluntarily agreed to risk their lives in defense of our country. So you think their patriotism and self-sacrifice isn't worth the price of a few tomahawk missiles?

Let's just say I don't understand your thinking.

~Terri 

Quote from: Maybebaby56 on July 26, 2017, 07:21:00 PM
That is not reality.  That is not even critical thinking. Whenever you call out an entire group of people and say they all have some motive or behavior in common, you are not being remotely realistic. 

"I kinda agree on this because the cost of a Transgender is more then a cis person."

Really?  As someone already pointed out, the VA has spent more on Viagra have they have for SRS. Does a cis-person with PTSD , or an amputee, or a veteran with cancer cost less to treat than a transgender vet who wants to transition?  How do you know? Let's see some numbers to back up your claim.

I am a Navy civilian, and I volunteered for two tours of duty in Afghanistan as part of a counter-IED task force.  I continue to serve my country as a PhD scientist with research in forensics, remote sensing, materials science and explosives. Other than my insurance paying for my SRS, I have borne the cost of my transition out of my own pocket, and I am shocked beyond words that the POTUS thinks I should lose my job simply because I am transgender. 

There are thousands  of transgenders currently in uniform who have voluntarily agreed to risk their lives in defense of our country. So you think their patriotism and self-sacrifice isn't worth the price of a few tomahawk missiles?

Let's just say I don't understand your thinking.

~Terri

Agree 100%, we cannot class all into one bracket.

I see this blatant abuse of Viagra all the time, guys brag about it and how it ups their VA percentage on retirement.

So ho is that massive number not placed under scrutiny, and the small percentage that would be applied toward SRS and HRT now such a big problem?

People are not lining up at recruiting centers in hopes of free SRS, they fully know what comes with service.

This petition just went up on change.org, it had 10000 signatures within 2 minutes of being posted, mine was in the high 9900s

https://www.change.org/p/allow-transgender-people-into-the-u-s-military

Don't underestimate the power of people on the right side of history

It is a total lie that this decision is about $$$.  I just saw decorated war hero Sen Tammy Duckworth on MSNBC and former Navy Seal and Bronze Star recipient Kristin Beck (author of Warrior Princess) on CNN.  Both said that it was nonsense that this was about money.  Beck made the point that it will cost far more to lose the highly trained specialists who are trans, and the military may be facing lawsuits after soldiers came out only to now be told that they can't serve.  This isn't about money, it's about pandering to his redneck base who is mad at him for dis'ing Jeff Sessions.  You think Trump cares about spending the taxpayer's money?  He's already spent more on his and his family's travel than Obama did in an entire 4 year term. 

I just signed and it was over 18,000.


Conform and be dull. —James Frank Dobie, The Voice of the Coyote

Border wall tied to trump transgender ban

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/border-wall-tied-to-trump-transgender-ban-report/ar-AAoSxVS?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartandhp

MSN/Newsweek/Greg Price

Quote from: cheryl reeves on July 26, 2017, 04:04:43 PM
I kinda agree on this because the cost of a Transgender is more then a cis person, Transgender just want to join and let the tax payers pay for their hrt and srt. This all boils down to money,money which the govt doesn't really have.  Let me ask this would anyone on this board be willing to pay for my transition without me putting any money into it?  I know I've been classified as a bigot because I see reality.

I am not quite sure, but it says
"Pentagon spends 10 times more on erectile disfunction meds than transgender services":

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/343974-pentagon-spends-10-times-more-on-erectile-disfunction-medications

barbie~~

Quote'Who is human enough?' Transgender soldiers panicked, outraged by Trump's abrupt ban

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2017/07/26/who-is-human-enough-transgender-soldiers-panicked-outraged-by-trumps-abrupt-ban.html (https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2017/07/26/who-is-human-enough-transgender-soldiers-panicked-outraged-by-trumps-abrupt-ban.html)

Quote from: SadieBlake on July 26, 2017, 08:20:40 PM
This petition just went up on change.org, it had 10000 signatures within 2 minutes of being posted, mine was in the high 9900s

https://www.change.org/p/allow-transgender-people-into-the-u-s-military

Don't underestimate the power of people on the right side of history

I signed it when it was in 900s :) but unfortunately, online petitions bear nearly no weight. We shall hope ACLU or some other organization starts real old-fashion paper petition. Meanwhile, anyone dissatisfied with this secession shall write to her congressmen and both senators old fashion personal physical letter.

Quote from: cheryl reeves on July 26, 2017, 04:04:43 PM
I kinda agree on this because the cost of a Transgender is more then a cis person, Transgender just want to join and let the tax payers pay for their hrt and srt. This all boils down to money,money which the govt doesn't really have.  Let me ask this would anyone on this board be willing to pay for my transition without me putting any money into it?  I know I've been classified as a bigot because I see reality.

This is a false argument, flawed reasoning.

1) Only 33% of transgender persons have undergone some form of gender-confirming surgery.
http://www.thetaskforce.org/static_html/downloads/reports/reports/ntds_full.pdf (http://www.thetaskforce.org/static_html/downloads/reports/reports/ntds_full.pdf)

2) Transgender persons have served in the military for as long as there has been a military.  I served in the 1970s and 80s, and I assure you that I did not join with the intent of having the tax payers pay for my HRT and srt, whatever that is, nor did I expect them to pay for my Gender Confirmation Surgery (GCS), or any other transition related expenses.
The RAND Report (download from here (http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1530.html))
indicates:

Quote
We estimate that there are between 1,320 and
6,630 transgender personnel serving in the active component (AC) and 830–4,160 in the Selected Reserve (SR).

Hunting down and purging these persons from military service will be a distraction from mission readiness, and the loss of many technically skilled, and closeted trans overacheivers, which many of us are, will have a direct and long term impact on readiness.  Transgender persons have psychological drives such that they seek out more dangerous and higher risk technical jobs, such as Seal Team 6 (http://www.businessinsider.com/kristin-beck-trump-transgender-ban-2017-7), or submarine nuclear power operations (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpaquette).

3) The actual expenses are not, in fact, tremendous.  The military medical service spends more on Viagra, which could be argued to be nonessential to military readiness.
http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1530.html (http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1530.html)

Quote
Only a subset will seek gender transition–related treatment. Estimates derived from survey data and private health insurance claims data indicate that, each year, between 29 and 129 service members in the active component will seek transition-related care that could disrupt their ability to deploy.

I served out of love for my country, and to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.  To state or imply otherwise is frankly rather offensive.

This is not about money, nor is it about military readiness.  It is, frankly, pandering of the worst sort, erecting a scapegoat for fairly obvious reasons.

This would seem to be a the lowdown on why we've been thrown under the bus. From: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/07/26/trump-transgender-military-ban-behind-the-scenes-240990

QuoteHouse Republicans were planning to pass a spending bill stacked with his campaign promises, including money to build his border wall with Mexico.

But an internal House Republican fight over transgender troops was threatening to blow up the bill. And House GOP insiders feared they might not have the votes to pass the legislation because defense hawks wanted a ban on Pentagon-funded sex reassignment operations — something GOP leaders wouldn't give them.

They turned to Trump, who didn't hesitate. In the flash of a tweet, he announced that transgender troops would be banned altogether.

Trump's sudden decision was, in part, a last-ditch attempt to save a House proposal full of his campaign promises that was on the verge of defeat, numerous congressional and White House sources said.

This is intra party politics, basically the same dynamic as has kept them from accomplishing repeal & replace.

Quite simply, your administration despises us from every angle.  Have a look at this lovely report of hatred with hand picked "facts".

https://cmrlink.org/data/sites/85/CMRDocuments/CMR_TransgenderPolAnalysis.pdf

Quote from: SadieBlake on July 26, 2017, 09:11:13 PM
This would seem to be a the lowdown on why we've been thrown under the bus. From: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/07/26/trump-transgender-military-ban-behind-the-scenes-240990

This is intra party politics, basically the same dynamic as has kept them from accomplishing repeal & replace.

A Commander in Chief who sells out his Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines for a political favor is the worst of scum and lower than whale sh*t at the bottom of the ocean.


Conform and be dull. —James Frank Dobie, The Voice of the Coyote

Yes, Deborah, that is true. I read that article, and of course he also does those tweets to distract from the Russia investigation.

But I felt sick when I saw the international news and read the newsfeeds on my facebook page this morning. I started crying and barely had the heart to retort with a link to an article about chromosomal variations to a Trump troll who was declaring that only two genders is "scientific fact," and ridiculing the LGBTQ community on the comments section under the article.
I know it does no good, but other people reading the comments section might gain some courage.

I feel like I need comforting. I want to go somewhere and cry. Maybe I will go for a hike and try to meditate. People here in Thailand usually don't comprehend US transgender problems since Thai Buddhism accepts a Third Gender. However, the westernized Thai military doesn't recognize transwomen as women, lumping them in with men.

My daughter has found comfort in a Native American community as a "two spirit" honorary shaman. I have Native American in my DNA from both parents, although not the same two tribes.

We both get visions, see the future, were born with strong psychic skills, can communicate with animals. In my case, I suppress it as much as possible, since I don't want to see the future or read peoples' minds, but will do so as favors to friends in need.

Two interesting things on this:

For those claiming the cost is high for trans healthcare in the military, consider this article from the Washington Post:

The military spends five times as much on Viagra as it would on transgender troops' medical care. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/07/26/the-military-spends-five-times-as-much-on-viagra-as-it-would-on-transgender-troops-medical-care/?hpid=hp_no-name_hp-card-national%3Ahomepage%2Fcard&utm_term=.a7395e8dc423)

QuoteConsidering the prevalence of transgender servicemembers among the active duty military and the typical health-care costs for gender-transition-related medical treatment, the Rand study estimated that these treatments would cost the military between $2.4 million and $8.4 million annually.

.....

By contrast, total military spending on erectile dysfunction medicines amounts to $84 million annually, according to an analysis by the Military Times — 10 times the cost of annual transition-related medical care for active duty transgender servicemembers.

John McCain released this statement today and he is absolutely right about Trump and this topic:

STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON TRANSGENDER AMERICANS IN THE MILITARY (https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/7/statement-by-sasc-chairman-john-mccain-on-transgender-americans-in-the-military)

QuoteWashington, D.C. ­– U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on President Trump's tweet regarding transgender Americans in the military:

"The President's tweet this morning regarding transgender Americans in the military is yet another example of why major policy announcements should not be made via Twitter.

"The statement was unclear. The Department of Defense has already decided to allow currently-serving transgender individuals to stay in the military, and many are serving honorably today. Any American who meets current medical and readiness standards should be allowed to continue serving. There is no reason to force service members who are able to fight, train, and deploy to leave the military—regardless of their gender identity. We should all be guided by the principle that any American who wants to serve our country and is able to meet the standards should have the opportunity to do so—and should be treated as the patriots they are.

"The Department of Defense is currently conducting a study on the medical obligations it would incur, the impact on military readiness, and related questions associated with the accession of transgender individuals who are not currently serving in uniform and wish to join the military. I do not believe that any new policy decision is appropriate until that study is complete and thoroughly reviewed by the Secretary of Defense, our military leadership, and the Congress.

"The Senate Armed Services Committee will continue to follow closely and conduct oversight on the issue of transgender individuals serving in the military."

LOL Sydney!

I just tweeted those, and related links, on Facebook/Twiter.

So does this mean being trans exempts you from draft registration?

Quote from: Stevie on July 26, 2017, 10:54:42 PM
So does this mean being trans exempts you from draft registration?

No.  You'll still need to register. 

You'll have to read past the usual massive government misgendering.

Under current law, all male U.S. citizens between 18–25 years are required to register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. In addition, non-U.S.-citizen men between the ages of 18 and 25 (inclusive) living in the United States must register.  Women as well as female-to-male transgender individuals who identify as male or have had sexual reassignment surgery are not required to register.

Address changes and other questions on the SSA: (https://www.sss.gov/Home/Address-Change)

Quote
How does the Military Selective Service Act apply to individuals who have had a sex change?
Individuals who are born female and have a sex change are not required to register. U.S. citizens or immigrants who are born male and have a sex change are still required to register. In the event of a resumption of the draft, males who have had a sex change can file a claim for an exemption from military service if they receive an order to report for examination or induction.

A couple of points to ponder.
First the Orange Orangutan uses twitter to distract.  He uses it to control the daily news cycle with no intent to set policy.  So more than likely he is already in his self-centered manipulative mind on to how to distract for tomorrow with no thought to implementing his rash crap-o-the-day.  This is really sad, but he is who you voted for.  A vain small-minded ego-manic to be the (former) leader of the free world.  Down we slid to banana republic status. 
As an aside, i heard that this AM the Pentagon was on high alert today when they thought the Orange one had ordered a preemptive attack on N Korea. This is something to worry about.
Second, while if I was still active duty I would be concerned, it takes policy from DOD to make things happen not a tweet even from the CIC.  And they do not do policy via twitter or even rashly.  So over a beer at enlisted club I would get over it and go about my duties.
Third, if it actually occurs there will be a transition period.  No one will be pulled from the morning ranks and booted out with a dishonorable before lunch.  Even if they force active duty out, it will be honorable.  AND, every civil rights and LGBTQ organization will go to bat for active duty LGBTQ in court.  This will tie up the DOD for years while the outed active duty continue on with what they were doing the day before.
Fourth.  There is serious talk about his mental state.  Serious.  In Congress.  In the Administration.  He will not be President in a year.  Probably sooner.  And the brass in the Pentagon will have options for not starting a war for him to do the ultimate control of the news cycle.  May deny him a place on Mt. Rushmore though.
Legislation on bathrooms are more immediate than his tweets.

Please know that you have allies and we stand with you. This is another offense in a long line of offenses you have endured. I hope these are the last gasps of a hateful dying culture. Your allies want you to be happy, healthy and to THRIVE! We will always be there when you need us. We love and support you always!

Quote from: Mile High Sean on July 27, 2017, 12:54:23 AM
Please know that you have allies and we stand with you. This is another offense in a long line of offenses you have endured. I hope these are the last gasps of a hateful dying culture. Your allies want you to be happy, healthy and to THRIVE! We will always be there when you need us. We love and support you always!

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Just wanted to say that I'm so saddened by this. I didn't serve but I honor those that do and did. My heart goes out to those who are in there now trying to figure out what to do. The political motives are obvious yes. Moreover though, I'm convinced, Trump's just an idiot or is IQ challenged. He hasn't the capacity to think anything through with any depth. He's probably functionally illiterate and has severe attention deficit issues. He's impulsive and reactive. Narcissistic. While this issue is at the top of our list, the list itself is enormous ... climate change denial and ignorance, (anti-)health care, aligning with autocrats, forsaking our allies, forgetting that immigrants are the basis of our country, blatant conflicts of interest, nepotism... it goes on. I'll never understand why people consistently vote against their own best interests and the best interest of the commons and all people. Really? WTF. I want to say Canada is looking better all the time but I'm still an American.

Quote from: laurenb on July 27, 2017, 05:58:46 AM
Just wanted to say that I'm so saddened by this. I didn't serve but I honor those that do and did. My heart goes out to those who are in there now trying to figure out what to do. The political motives are obvious yes. Moreover though, I'm convinced, Trump's just an idiot or is IQ challenged. He hasn't the capacity to think anything through with any depth. He's probably functionally illiterate and has severe attention deficit issues. He's impulsive and reactive. Narcissistic. While this issue is at the top of our list, the list itself is enormous ... climate change denial and ignorance, (anti-)health care, aligning with autocrats, forsaking our allies, forgetting that immigrants are the basis of our country, blatant conflicts of interest, nepotism... it goes on. I'll never understand why people consistently vote against their own best interests and the best interest of the commons and all people. Really? WTF. I want to say Canada is looking better all the time but I'm still an American.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2016/07/31/is-donald-trump-ok-erratic-behaviour-raises-mental-health-questions.html (https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2016/07/31/is-donald-trump-ok-erratic-behaviour-raises-mental-health-questions.html)

Of course you agree, and this confirms his dog whistle reached his base and distracted them again.

Trump's incompetence in passing legislation is shameful, just like his tweeting to distract from what's really going on.

Have you asked all trans military people whether they join just to have their surgery and hrt paid for? or is that something you saw in 'reality'?   

Quote from: cheryl reeves on July 26, 2017, 04:04:43 PM
I kinda agree on this because the cost of a Transgender is more then a cis person, Transgender just want to join and let the tax payers pay for their hrt and srt. This all boils down to money,money which the govt doesn't really have.  Let me ask this would anyone on this board be willing to pay for my transition without me putting any money into it?  I know I've been classified as a bigot because I see reality.

Locked for clean up.

It saddens me when people fall into the same place as those they are criticising.

Trading insults does not change the world, a person's opinion or advance a cause.

It just identifies you with the same ethic as those you oppose.