Transgender veterans seek recognition

[unhappycamper]

Autumn Sandeen served in the Navy for two decades as a man. Veterans like her hope the United States will join other nations in welcoming transgender service members.


Transgender veterans seek recognition
By Lisa Leff
Associated Press / January 30, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO — Before handcuffing herself to the White House fence, former Petty Officer 1st Class Autumn Sandeen carefully pinned three rows of Navy ribbons to her chest. Her regulation dress blue skirt, fitted jacket, hat, and black pumps were new — fitting for a woman who spent two decades serving her country as a man.

Sandeen was the only transgender person among the six veterans arrested in April while protesting the military’s ban on openly gay troops. But when she watched President Obama sign the hard-fought bill allowing for the ban’s repeal, melancholy tinged her satisfaction.

“This is another bridesmaid moment for the transgender community,’’ the 51-year-old San Diego resident said.

The “don’t ask, don’t tell’’ policy now heading toward history does not apply to transgender recruits, who are automatically disqualified as unfit for service. But the military’s longstanding posture on gender identity has not prevented transgender citizens from signing up before they come out, or from obtaining psychological counseling, hormones, and routine health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs once they return to civilian life.

As the Pentagon prepares to welcome openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members, Sandeen is not alone in hoping the United States will one day join other nations that allow transgender troops.

[Morning Dew]

1. interesting video here

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/18504/transgender-and-transsexual-veterans-of-america-part-2

it's about 15 minutes but the transcript is there as well if you don't have time to watch.