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They also served, who wear a dress
A recent discussion with friends about ADF and police participation in the Sydney Gay Mardis Gras got me thinking about how many members in the transgender community might have previously served or could still be serving in either our Defence Forces or police services.
Im my case I started cross dressing well before I first joined the military in 1972. Since then I’ve spent 40 years in government service, both in uniformed and plain clothes environments. Being a CD in those environments was challenging and terrifying, especially as discovery would likely have meant instant dismissal in most cases.
I know of at least one other TgR member who has military service to her credit. I also know of two people who have transitioned whilst in Defence service, one being a friend who helped me in my first tentative steps out of the closet.
I would dearly love, one day, to attend an ANZAC Day or Remembrance Day service as Jane, proudly displaying the indications of my service. It would be a display of the freedom I championed with my service.
I wonder how many others out there have ‘done their time’? Perhaps it’s another way to be out and proud.
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9 Replies
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Hi Jane,
I served in the R.A.A.F. from 1971 till 1977, mostly in 34 SQN Fairbairn. ( VIP ) Flight. I was Transgendered then, and had some fun hiding my gear during barrack inspections. However, there were no real complications, until one Saturday night we had a ” Change of Sex Night ” at the airmans club. The problem was that nobody recognised me until I spoke. Well. You should have seen some of their faces. That was back in 1973. Things have changed since then, thank God.
Today, I have a couple of good friends in Government jobs here in Perth, who have transitioned on the job. There have been no apparent problems with them.
Bless them all.
Connie. -
I began my service in the Army in 1974, (excluding school cadets two years prior to that). I resigned my commission as a nursing officer with 2 field Hospital in 2007. I served with 1 Armoured Regiment, then various infantry units before serving only in the Field Hospital. Prior to becoming a Registered nurse I was a medic. I have attended Anzac services and have enjoyed the nostalgia and discussions with others. My service number was 1205083. I crossed dressed as I was able to.
I didn’t leave the ADF because of transitioning but because I converted to the Mennonite faith. We believe in non – violence/ non – resistance/ peace making. Since my transitioning/ SRS I am particularly very distressed with any form of aggression or violence, so I am somewhat regretting my previous role in the ADF. I helped others get well so that they could go back to learning how to kill.
As a woman I find that does not sit well with me now. -
Quote:Since my transitioning/ SRS I am particularly very distressed with any form of aggression or violence, so I am somewhat regretting my previous role in the ADF. I helped others get well so that they could go back to learning how to kill.
As a woman I find that does not sit well with me now.I don’t think any rational person is okay with aggression or violence but I believe that irrespective of what role those “others” went back to you should feel justifiably proud of the medical services you rendered to them. I also believe that even though your beliefs are different now you should still feel proud that you ‘did your bit’. All life is sacred and those who help to preserve it also help to undo the efforts of those who seek to take it.
Connie, one of the people I mentioned who transitioned in the service was an RAAF member. I’ve even seen her new ID though I believe she has since left for other reasons unrelated to her transitioning.
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This is a very delicate post for me to become a contributor. I am a member of the ADF and those girls who know me personally are aware of who I am and what I do.
I wasn’t a regular CD until about 20 years ago and I dressed on an irregular basis due to marriage and other reasons. Now I am on my own and I dress most nights of the week and because I live away from my place of work I feel comfortable having two lives, Helen and also my day job as it were.
The services are undergoing a huge change in their mentality, mainly caused by the problems associated with ADFA and also the reactions caused by those actions going public. It is quite strange to think that the Minister and his department are working towards their vision of how Defence will accept those persons who are part of minority groups, yet prior to the ADFA problems and other things that have since come to light Defence was quietly working towards being a more inclusive environment and even though it is not made public, barriers are starting to come down and funnily enough it is working.
We think of the ADF being the bastion of the Alpha male, but the ADF is now an organisation that more accurately reflects society. There are still areas in all three services that remain the stonghold of the real tough guy etc, but Defence’s role demands this and it will continue.
I have been a member of the ADF for a long time and may I say it has changed immeasurably since I joined, and that change has been for the better.
Helen
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Quote:…Defence was quietly working towards being a more inclusive environment and even though it is not made public, barriers are starting to come down and funnily enough it is working.
Thankfully that’s happening in more and more government departments. Barriers do take a while to be brought down but it does happen. In the meantime people like us continue to do what we can to help the process. There were certainly many positive changes in my last few years, especially in relation to gays and lesbians. I have no doubt that greater understanding and acceptance of trans people will follow, not just in Defence but in law enforcement and other government service as well.
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I also served. I joined the Army 1964 and seved for 9 years, including a 12 1/2 month stint in SVN in 1968-69. I did not crossdress for that time, but had previously to some degree. After discharge in 1973 and also had married my 1st wife I crossdressed in the closet so to speak. She never knew. We seperated in 1977 from other reasons. Then sometime after I remarried. That 2nd Wife never knew either. That marriage did not last long. After 6 or 7 years I met and Married my wonderful 3rd Wife and 22 years later we are still strong together. She knows and does not mind my crossdressing at all as long as only at home, which I don’t mind as I am fairly well known locally and also have no hope of ever passing. We are also both involved in RSL and Viet Vet Associations. : P
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yes girls,
I did 23 years in the navy, also know 2 other girls from the navy that have been to seahorse meetings.
i did regularly dress overseas when i took some clothers with me in a motel room ,, just to get off the ship.
only once got asked about things, when i was at singapore and the security guard wanting to look in my bag,,,,, ok i said….. Is this your shoes, yes, your knickers, yes, your dress, yes, your hair, yes . ok he said have a good night. was i shitting myself?
jr
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I lived on a base for 12 months or so due to a matrimonial crisis and at the time was just rediscovering dressing. I was nearly caught twice whilst dressed and although it was OK to leave the base dressed as nobody gave you a second look it was getting back on… Remove wig, show your Identity document and hope the makeup wasn’t too obvious. Other times drive off dressed, meet a friend, then before you go shower etc back into trackies and no sexual rugby top then to your room… No mention of a bag full of sext clothes.. The adventure was very good, but I am happier to live away from a base so Helen can be Helen
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Read about this incredible woman who serves.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/transgender-lieutenant-colonel-cate-mcgregor-speaks-out-about-abuse-and-support/story-fnihslxi-1226674523255
Also, watch the interview that is coming up.
