The end of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” allowed gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members to serve openly in the military. But what about trans*people?
The end of DADT was a huge moment in US military history. I doubt anyone questioned whether or not there were GLB service members. But for the sake of their careers, their families, and in many cases just doing what they loved – serving their country – they kept that part of their lives hidden, or as hidden as possible. When the fear of dismissal for being who they were was gone, GLB service people could be open (if they chose), and just do their job.
But how many people realize that this did not and does not extend to transgender people?
The letters are so wed in much of the media, GLBT or LBGT rushed together in a single syllable, that there’s often the assumption that what benefits the first three letters also benefits the fourth. Or people don’t recognize the T exists as true groups of people, not just occasional blips on the news/talk/entertainment radar.
The military is one of those places where what benefits some does not benefit all. Out trans*people are still barred from military service. This is not universal. 13 countries, including Britain, Israel, Australia, and Canada, allow transpeople to serve openly.
So ask yourself, why not here?
TransMilitary is a series about trans*people and military service that seeks to:
“…address transphobia in America with real-life stories of transgender service members on active duty, serving in silence, as they defy the military ban, as compared to their British counterparts, who have been openly active for more than 13 years.”
Don’t like ads? Become a supporter and enjoy The Good Men Project ad free
It’s a topic that’s time has come.
Learn more at transmilitary.tv and on HuffPost
Hi JJ. Thanks for writing about TransMilitary. However, the inclusion of the asterisk in the title is wrong, as the documentary itself does not include it in the project title.
As an associate producer of TransMilitary, I would be happy to discuss this further.
Thank you.
Hi L. I’ve removed the *, which had just been intended only in the article title, so there would be no confusion as to the intent/use.
We would love to hear more about your project. I can be reached at [email protected].