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Transgender victory in the ADF
NewCTN received a post from W about her partner J and her situation in the Australian Defence Force. She has given me permission to repost her message on the understanding that their identities not be released. For that reason, I am using the initials W and J
Here is her post;
Quote:Just thought I would post a link to our first news article and let you know to watch how things are played out from here.
I am so proud of J for standing up for herself and her family against such a big conservative organisation and this is the result, now being made public. Note one of the comments on the Crikey story is from another trans person in Defence who wants to come out and now can without fear of losing their job thanks to J.http://www.crikey.com.au/2010/09/15/let-them-serve-defence-drops-ban-on-transgender-soldiers
The personal toll on us has been huge and we are now seeking legal support for a damages case against Defence and we also are going to a reconciliation meeting with defence managed by the AHRC in a couple of months.
J will start her new job as a training officer and there is going to be a general article on trans issues in the next Army newspaper to start cultural change in the organisation.
Big steps for all of us and I hope we have the strength to keep going through whatever comes. -
8 Replies
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that’s fantastic news! now, where’s the “like ” button around here?
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Defence has had Instructions pertaining to Transgender personnel for a few years. The relaxation (if that is the correct term) of policy is not a shock, as Defence is actually quite active in delivering policy, but that policy is not necessarily respected by certain mindsets that still exist. The major hurdle as far as Defence goes is the ‘macho’ attitude prevalent in certain areas of the ADF.
Oh yes, I am an ADF member….
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Hi Everyone,
I can only say its about time, and I know that if there is one there are 2, I am in the same sort of situation Helen, whilst my work place has embraced me with open arms but there will always be the de tractors who will be beligerant in their understanding of the need for us to survive as a fully productive member of our parent organisations.
Just because I am transition, does not mean that I forget how to double tap in my pistol requals. However I do get cheesed off when I loose a nail refilling the magazine 😆
To all of those who are in organisations such as the ADF or Police, thinking that they will loose their jobs, you can’t . Be true to yourself and get rid of all that stress, become who you rightly deserve to be, yourself.
Remember no one has actually died of emarassement or taking that massive step to show who you really are.
Take care everyone.
Stef
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wish I could have been abbie when i was in the navy would have stayed the full time instead of running
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The Sunday Age has today confrimed this report.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/new-transgender-policy-20100918-15ha4.html
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Abbie. Know what you mean. I didn’t start my transition until after I left the Navy. What was I missing all those years.
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yes i did 20+ years in the navy , now still working in defence. Had my wedding on Garden Island with all the seahorse people and BDSM 4wd club.
I am sure i am the only girl to dress fully on a DDG while at sea.
I also know of 3 other people that where in the navy that are CD/TG and that have been members of seahorse and TR.
Judy
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Yes, I too wonder about us ex-Navy girls?
I remember when we had special events at sea. Well before women became crew. Fancy dress, was part of it and it was surprising how womens clothes was in such an abundance for these occasions. Considering generally we had so little locker space.
makes you wonder…
