I am U.S. Navy retired and a transgender veteran. Banning transgender recruits is a huge step in the wrong direction.
I had to hide my true identity for numerous years, as i came to understand my true self. My last command was the USS California (CGN-36). These were the three toughest years of my career. I was "different" from the rest of the cooks in numerous ways and was ridiculed and was treated with abuse and disrespect.
We all have done our part to serve, especially the LGBTQ community. Banning qualified folks from serving is a huge injustice to the applicant and to the country. There are many transgender veterans in the country, and hopefully we will have many more.
Darlene Rochelle
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If transgenders wish to join the military, by all means, they should be allowed. They, as well of all beliefs and walks of life should have to adhere to all military policies if employed by the armed services.
God bless America,
Michael Mansfield