I'm just looking for some incite into how it is to be trans while serving in the military. It's been a dream of mine to join the Air Force but one main opposition to the idea is the fact that I won't be recognized for who I really am. I'm currently not out as trans, and therefore Pre-T, if I do move out on my own or join the military I'd like to begin the process to actually be myself; however, I am not sure if I would be able to do that while in the Air Force. I don't want to sign up for a commitment where I will be forced to hide who I really am, I do enough of that already.
So, if anyone has any advice, or personal experience on the subject that would be much appreciated. Thanks!
-Aaron
Depends on what country you're in.. In the US, for now, it seems you are out of luck.. The UK, Canada and Australia are all a bit more accommodating..
I happened upon this blog sometime ago.
http://transmilitary.tumblr.com/
Don't ask, don't tell DADT (US law) was repealed but it does not apply to trans folks. I've heard of people serving but you run the risk of getting discharged if they find out. It happens frequently.
--Jay
I just got out of the army after doing my four year enlistment about 9 months ago. No, you cannot be trans and be in the military of any branch. You're going to have to pick one or the other. I discovered being trans was a "thing" around my senior year in high school (2009ish) but I wanted to be in the army bad enough that I stuffed all those feelings away and for the next five years after that. I'm not saying you'll be able to do that because it was very hard at times for me. But you'll have to make that choice and decide if it's something you can live with for a few years or not. Like Jay said there have been a very select few who have done it, but they were extremely lucky and it came down to their superiors being cool enough to let them finish their term without filing discharge paperwork on them. I wouldn't even hope for it as a possibility as it's not likely to happen to you too.
If you have any other military related questions feel free to ask, I wasn't Air Force but I can probably still help.
Quote from: AeroZeppelin92 on April 05, 2015, 03:28:32 PM
If you have any other military related questions feel free to ask, I wasn't Air Force but I can probably still help.
I was in the Air Force and I'll also answer any military related questions if you need it.
Like others have said, even though DADT was repealed, that only applies to sexual orientations. The military is still discussing (and will be discussing for a while) allowing trans people into their ranks. I also had to go through my service before choosing to transition. From what I've experienced in the Air Force, a lot of younger people are actually pretty accepting (as long as you aren't an introvert like me). It's just the rules and those who have been in for too long that are still in the way.