It's Veterans Day here in the United States. I'm retired from the United States Army, and I'm proud of my 28 years of service. I went a lot of places, did a lot of things, and deployed a few times.
As a transgender person, I wish trans people were welcome in our military. Not welcoming trans people is an unconscionable waste of amazing talent, the inclusion of which would greatly enhance our military, and our country. I had no idea when I joined the Army that many trans people become police officers, or firefighters, or join the military. Percentage-wise, trans people are massively more likely to serve than cis people.
Not for the first time, I wish I had a female dress blue uniform. It shouldn't matter, but it does. When Veterans Day comes, and veterans post photos in uniform, it bothers me that I don't have any of me that I can use. Yet, I am very proud of my contribution.
This Veterans Day, I'm thankful for the 16 million veterans, and especially for the roughly 134,000 transgender veterans currently living in the United States. Men, women, and others who stood tall and said "Nothing is going to hurt you tonight. Not on my watch."
Thank you for your service!
Have a blessed Veterans Day.
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