LGBTQ Times

After the news of the NAVADMIN being blocked by a judge, a great many people jumped for joy in celebration, and with further news that the pentagon would continue to provide gender affirming care to transgender service members only added to the excitement.

However it isn’t over yet, I’m afraid to say, it’s simply just getting started. Of course the administration has already moved for an appeal on the order, and the DOD is doing everything to prove their own findings. For those of us who have been in for the last ten years know, it’s simply a waiting game now.

The military is famous for their “hurry up and wait” style of conduct, and when it comes to the transgender community, they are more then happy to keep us waiting in the dark. While I hope that the appeal will fail, and that individuals will be allowed to openly serve and receive gender affirming care, I worry that the back and forth game will continue on for the continuation of this year, and possibly into 26.

With the supreme court already giving the green light for the DOD to begin the Discharge of transgender service members, I also predict that coming in June many service members will begin to feel the affects of losing key members in leadership roles and in the lower ranks doing the day to day operations.

I’ve grown to resent the “yes, no, yes” game I have had to play for the last ten years, and unfortunately it’s clear that it’s taken it’s toll on my mental health. While I am currently sitting in a mental health rehab, working through PTSD and Depression, my own command is currently working to provide me answers, so far all they have found is that I now have until June 6th to come forward for voluntary discharge or I’ll be forced out and lose certain benefits.

I intend to continue to work to provide a space for people to share their stories, a place where everyone can be heard. I am currently in a situation that has proven difficult to ensure that I can provide a depth of data and am simply forced to give opinion pieces.

So, here is my opinion to any transgender service members. Get paid, so long as they follow the guidelines that they issued in February, Voluntary separation provides you with the best and most benefits, if they want you out make them pay you for it.