Transprogressive
Some people consider Pfc. Bradley Manning a hero; others a whistleblower; others still consider him to be a criminal who endangered the security of the United States.
There was a portion of the San Francisco LGBT community who wanted to own Manning as a San Francisco Pride honoree this past June. Others didn’t want to own him as a hero.
Before his recent trial began, Manning pleaded guilty to 20-counts. In the end, he was found guilty of violating the Espionage Act. And Manning owned his actions. He read a statement in court apologizing for his actions, which read in part:
“At the time of my decisions, as you know, I was dealing with a lot of issues, issues that are ongoing and continuing to affect me. Although a considerable difficulty in my life, these issues are not an excuse for my actions.
“I understood what I was doing, and decisions I made. However I did not fully appreciate the broader effects of my actions.”
Pfc. Manning has been publicly identified as gay, and he may identify as gay. But Manning also has been identified as having a trans community related diagnosis.
Serving in silence as a trans servicemember, whether crossdressing or not, is against regulations. For soldiers such as Pfc. Manning, Army Regulation 40–501, the Army Standards of Medical Fitness, Chapter 2 (Physical Standards for Enlistment, Appointment, and Inductions), which lists disqualifying conditions, states in paragraph 2–27n these disqualifying conditions:
“Current or history of psychosexual conditions (302), including, but not limited to transsexualism, exhibitionism, transvestism, voyeurism, and other paraphilias, do not meet the standard.”
Transsexualism or transvestism is also a reason for discharge in accordance with Army Regulation 635–200 for active duty enlisted administrative separations, and in accordance with Army Regulation 600–8–24 for officer discharges.
In the sentencing phase, Manning’s defense put forward that Manning has “gender identity disorder,” the diagnosis used in DSM-IV (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, version IV) for transsexuality. It was put forward as a mitigating factor for why he violated the law and released the classified information he did to Wikileaks.
In an email to his sergeant April 24, 2010 with the subject line of “My Problem,” Manning stated,
“This is my problem. I’ve had signs of it for a very long time. Its caused problems within my family. I thought a career in the military would get rid of it. It’s not something I seek out for attention, and I’ve been trying very, very hard to get rid of it by placing myself in situations where it would be impossible. But, it’s not going away. It’s haunting me more and more as I get older. Now, the consequences of it are dire, at a time when it’s causing me great pain in itself.”
In the Navy Times back in December of 2012, it was reported that Pfc. Manning sometimes used the alias Breanna Manning.
Attached to the email was a photo of Manning in a wig and wearing make-up. The email and the photo were released in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by the Associated Press.
There is no doubt that Manning was under a great deal of stress, but did the stress directly relate to his violating the law and releasing the documents? Or more directly, does being trans mean one is a security risk just because one is trans? And should this instance be used as a reason not to let trans people serve openly?
Diane Schroer, Allyson Robinson and Kristen Beck are trans women who served their country with honor and distinction while serving with gender dysphoria – gender dysphoria now being the depathologized terminology for transsexuality since the publication of DSM-V earlier this year.
Diane Schroer was an Airborne Ranger – a qualified Special Forces officer – involved in highest level counterterrorism planning at the Pentagon. Allyson Robinson was a West Point graduate who wrote theater level intelligence policy while serving in theater in the Persian Gulf War. Kristen Beck served in Seal Team Six and was an integral part of some of our nation’s most classified counterterrorism missions. None of these trans servicemembers who were serving in silence divulged classified information, and instead served with honor and distinction.
Whether one considers Pfc. Manning a hero, a criminal, or a bit of both, having gender dysphoria isn’t a reason that explains why Pfc. Manning chose to release the classified information that he did. It’s true that gender dysphoria may explain a significant reason for his stress, but the stress doesn’t explain his choice. There are servicemembers with similar classified access and similar stress who didn’t make the same choices Pfc. Manning did.
There are several issues involved here…
First off, a lot of people who eventually claim to be transsexuals have histories of actually being cross dressers, and show no actual signs of having any gender identity issues until later in life, usually after a major mid-life change, such as a divorce, or in some cases, retirement or discharge from military service.
Personally, I find it hard to swallow that someone who is actually a transsexual could survive a long enlistment in the military successfully, especially in a macho environment like the Seals or the Special Forces.
I would tend to be more sympathetic to the claims of Manning, who seems to have actually showed signs of stress during military service.
Still, the purpose of the military is not particularly compatible with the problems that would arise from “open service by transgender people.”
I have stated before, I can see where a person who has a transsexual, and who has completed SRS, and is capable of assimilating into a unit, could possible serve without being a disruption, but the idea of someone who is openly transgender, and who has not undergone SRS serving in any capacity seems unreasonable.
Isn’t it true that you, “just Jennifer” , actually did not go full time until you were in your late 40’s – about 10 years ago? Also, isn’t it true that prior to going full-time you ran a website showcasing your CD identity in a variety of different clothing and described yourself as “more than a crossdresser but less than a transsexual? In fact you wrote TV erotic fiction still available on the web under your pen name of “Satin Lacey”
Isn’t it also true that, although you were of age to serve in the Vietnam era (old!!) , you never served our country at all and escaped military service?
The self-loathing here is palpable, Jennifer and it appears that you don’t hate transgendered people nearly as much as you do yourself. I would suggest that you seek some sort of psychiatric help but I know it’s a lost cause at this point in your life.
No, as usual, what you post here is not true. BTW, have you seen the lovely piece I did on you on my blog? Sort of an ongoing project.
It is true, during a period when I was struggling with some issues, that I used that unfortunate phrase.
It is also true that I wrote a bit of political satire, a parody of transgender fiction that was so obviously bad that I thought no one would take it seriously. Sort of a mish mash of Ed Wood, and the “Handmaiden’s Tale.” It was meant to call attention to a form of political extremism. When I realized that some very creepy people were getting off on it, yourself apparently included, I deleted it. Someone using that name reposted it. I’ve often wondered who it might have been…. I am beginning to get a suspicion… Then again, apparently it was not the only piece that person posted. Then again, that doesn’t really mean much.
I turned 18 right before the draft ended. I registered, but they stopped drafting people.
No, I’m not self-loathing. That is a common dodge used to attack anyone who does not adhere to certain transgender dogmatic beliefs.
The opinions expressed regarding service by the poster named “A Woman Period” obviously reflect those of someone with who has neither served our country via the Armed Forces nor has any real idea of transgendered military history. Well over thirty-five years ago one of the most acclaimed transsexual activists, Sister Mary Elizabeth, responsible for a great many of the current California positive transgendered laws, served in our Navy both under her original name and, later on, for a short while under her newer female identity.
The author obviously has no sense of what the military does, it’s true needs nor what it means to serve in it. As a transgendered woman who served her country honorably and with commendation for ten years, I take offense to chickenhawk sideliners who claim to know what’s best for our country and/or the proud transgendered men and women who have in the past served and who currently serve. In the military we had a very popular saying , “opinions are like a**holes – everybody has one.” Obviously Ms Period has a bigger opinion than most.
ROTFL!!! The truth hurts, doesn’t. Really brings out that rage… The military does NOT need major distractions.
A Woman, Period writes that “I find it hard to swallow that someone who is actually a transsexual could survive a long enlistment in the military successfully, especially in a macho environment like the Seals or the Special Forces.”
That is nonsense. Any notion that women or transexuals could not survive in the military or any other environment is stereotyping and sexist.
Perhaps A Woman, Period is a simple-minded fool who is only desperate for attention.
Nope, just one of those rare people who actually is a transsexual. I know first hand the difficulties of hiding one’s true nature, and how imperfect such attempts are. Unlike a crossdresser, who is actually a man, and who has no problem hiding it, I was never good at faking it. I seriously considered enlisting in order to get training and during the induction process I came to my senses and realized I was making a terrible mistake. Fortunately, if one can really call it that, I flunked the physical when it turned out I was pre-diabetic. I got sent home, and decided to go back to college instead. The recruiter wasn’t happy, but I was.
Calling oneself a transsexual, because you think it moves you a notch up the Imaginary Transgender Hierarchy if Awesomeness is simply delusional. You don’t become a transsexual. My life was a wreck before transition. Now, I am far more of a functional person, whereas I regularly see people who had long successful careers as men become extremely dysfunctional caricatures of women later in life, usually following a mid-life crisis.
Hey, the truth isn’t always pretty. But insulting someone doesn’t change facts.
Yes, lots of women serve in the military…as women. But that is not even what is being sought by transgender extremists. They want to bring something that will be highly disruptive in, and for e it on the military. The results would be highly disruptive.
Funny thing is, I’m NOT seeking attention. I just am trying to get people to think, rather than just blindly spout extremist dogma.
Bullshit.
You clearly wrote that a transexual is not strong enough to “survive a long enlistment in the military successfully, especially in a macho environment”. That is demeaning, stereotypical and sexist.
You can go ahead and write about your own personal lack of strength, but don’t try to dump that baggage on others.
After looking at a few previous articles here on the Weekly it appears that “A Woman Period” is actually the author of the “Just Jennifer” blogspot blog. Said blog is a piece of trash where “just Jennifer” spends literally 99% of the blog’s postings ranting in a way that literally amounts to hate speech against successful transgendered woman. According to Autumn herself, who posted last week on that blog, “Just Jennifer” has posted over 300 blog entries just on Autumn alone. Web searching revealed that “Just Jennifer” claims to actually be transgendered herself so I really don’t know what is going on but one thing I am sure of, Joe, is that attention seeking is one hundred percent what it is all about for “Just Jennifer”.
Looking at some of Autumn’s other postings in other places reveals that “Just Jennifer” is anything but successful and in fact runs her small-time hate-speech operation from some sort of San Francisco subsidized homeless housing project .
My question is why such a person is actually allowed to post here?
Yes, that is my blog. And you are certainly entitled to your opinion about it, though I would urge people to read it and judge for their self.
I suppose if your definition of hate speech is ”
disagrees with transgender extremists” I am “guilty.” That is why I coined the term “gender fascists.”
Sandeen has posted some claims from a very nasty cyberstalker (there is an article about this person on my blog) that are not true. Suffice to say, I don’t reveal a lot of stuff. So don’t believe out of date claims.
And finally, some people don’t censor contrary opinions. But some can’t handle disagreement.
Andrea, I am a gay man but I am assuming that you are transexual. Please correct me if I am wrong.
A Woman, Period wrote this: ““Personally, I find it hard to swallow that someone who is actually a transsexual could survive a long enlistment in the military successfully, especially in a macho environment like the Seals or the Special Forces.”
Do you agree that her statement is a belittling, judgmental and sexist stereotype about the emotional strength of transexuals?
Again, why do you spell it “transexual?” The prefix is “trans” and word being modified is “sex.” We change sex.
Your focus on my spelling mistake is simply a dodge to avoid addressing your sexist comment. Here it is again:
“Personally, I find it hard to swallow that someone who is actually a transsexual could survive a long enlistment in the military successfully, especially in a macho environment like the Seals or the Special Forces.”
It is not a “sexist comment.” Seriously Joe, try coming up with logical arguments.
If you made a spelling error, that’s one thing. I was not sure. There are some, it is no as common, who deliberately use that spelling as a political statement. I was not sure. Normally, I ignore spelling errors. The are easy to make.
“Do you agree that her statement is a belittling, judgmental and sexist stereotype about the emotional strength of transexuals?”
Absolutely I do Joe. I am a transsexual and served our country in our Armed Forces. The poster calling herself “A Woman Period” is merely an attention seeking troll. After doing some research on Just Jennifer” based upon another poster’s info here, I see that Just Jennifer is a very self hating individual who’s only purpose in TG forums is to make the discussion all about her. Apparently this person never even served in the Armed forces even though she was old enough to have been drafted in the Viet Nam War period.
This person is most definitely not well and why she gets to mess up all of Autumn’s post is beyond me. Can’t someone have her removed?
Ah, so you believe only those who you agree have a right to speak up. How very open minded of you…
And nope. missed being “old enough” by a year or so.
It is not a matter of strength. Please do not resort to straw man arguments. I am talking about emotional issues.
You just wrote: “I am talking about emotional issues.”
I agree. You are clearly talking about emotional strength, not physical. Here is what you wrote:
“Personally, I find it hard to swallow that someone who is actually a transsexual could survive a long enlistment in the military successfully, especially in a macho environment like the Seals or the Special Forces.”
It is sad that you sticking with that judgmental and insulting generality about transexuals. They have no less emotional strength than anyone else. To suggest otherwise is demeaning, stereotypical and sexist.
It is also sad that you have avoided discussing that specific statement. The darkness of those words negates anything else you write and makes you look like a fool.
You keep going back to the word strength, in an attempt to create a straw man argument. Obviously, you have no experience of what it is like to be a transsexual. I do. It is neither judgmental, or insulting. In fact, I would say you are being more judgmental and insulting than anything I have said. You are trying to impose your prejudices on my experiences.
Women, by an large, are possessed of great emotional strength, but that does not equate to being comfortable in certain situations. You might well be a very “emotionally strong” person, but I imagine that five minutes of listening to someone describe, in detail, the process of sex reassignment surgery would make you very uncomfortable.
Likewise, I doubt the average woman (not all, but most) would be comfortable being subjected to the sort of experiences those in military units like the Seals and Special Forces experience during training in an effort to weed out those unsuited to the duty members will face. That is not a lack of strength. It is simply a difference that can be observed by those not blinded by their own prejudices.
I speak from life experiences. You simply spout politically correct dogma. That sort of makes any real discussion of this a bit difficult and reduces this to an exercise in abuse. By the way, it is spelled “transsexual.” Not “transexual,” unless you are a devotee of a certain political viewpoint…which would explain a lot.
Now, I am trying to respond to you with logic and reason. You seem to only have dogmatic prejudice and insults in your arsenal.
Here is what you wrote:
“Personally, I find it hard to swallow that someone who is actually a transsexual could survive a long enlistment in the military successfully, especially in a macho environment like the Seals or the Special Forces.”
Now you are clarifying this to mean that an “actual” transsexual and “average woman” cannot “be comfortable” enough to survive a long enlistment in the military successfully.
Congratulations. You are dumbing your own words down and making them look even more sexist and insensitive.
I don’t give a rat’s ass about your “life experiences”. This is not about your life and your own personal weakness. This is all about your demeaning and insulting generalization about transsexuals. Your own words define you as a bigot and a fool.
Clearly Joe, you have no real arguments…just anger and insults. I am using actual words with real meaning, not subjective ones like “transgender.” I know that is frustrating for you, but I don”t think that excuses your insults.
It’s alright to admit you made a mistake. Lots of people say or type things in a hurry without thinking them out.
The problem is that you are sticking to your claim that transsexuals cannot “survive a long enlistment in the military successfully” because it is just too uncomfortable for them.
Perhaps you are too proud or too embarrassed to admit that is stereotyping and wrong. Maybe you yourself are just too emotionally frail and uncomfortable to do the right thing.
Whatever the reason, I recognize your personal limitations. I understand that a mistake is something that some people just cannot own up to.
Sorry Joe, I stand by what I said. But nice attempt at CYA. Not everyone who transitions is transsexual. It is actually a relatively rare condition. When someone was very successful as a male, whether military or not, that is an indication that the are not transsexual. It does not suddenly appear.
“Personally, I find it hard to swallow that someone who is actually a transsexual could survive a long enlistment in the military successfully, especially in a macho environment like the Seals or the Special Forces.”
“I am talking about emotional issues.”
“I doubt the average woman (not all, but most) would be comfortable”
Well, at least you managed to refrain from insults. Now, perhaps we can deal with the real issue. If a person is actually transsexual, that means that their personality is “female.” That is a hard thing to conceal And what do you think happens to a person perceived to be male who has a female personality? In a place like the military? Especially in the past? Nope, contrary to the conclusion you jumped to, and used as an excuse for insults, the real problem is that a true transsexual is going to stick out like a sore thumb and will quickly be forced out. No good evaluations, constantly abused, harassed, and possibly physically harmed. It is not something so easily hidden. Like, say, crossdressing. A lot of crossdressers decide to go further, later in life, but that is not really transsexualism.
“Personally, I find it hard to swallow that someone who is actually a transsexual could survive a long enlistment in the military successfully, especially in a macho environment like the Seals or the Special Forces.”
“I am talking about emotional issues.”
“I doubt the average woman (not all, but most) would be comfortable”
“I speak from life experiences.”
Well, at least it is not insults….
While I don’t believe Manning to be transsexual, I find myself laughing at the article given that Sandeen, on the very day that Manning sent his missive to the Today show claiming to be trans, claiming to be ‘Chelsea’ and wanting to be recognized as ‘female, has instead written an article that completed ignores all of Manning’s requests.
I guess that shoots the trans-whactivists claims of ‘they are because they claim they are’ all to hell. Apparently one is only trans if the likes of Sandeen and Roberts pronounce them to be trans…oh the irony.
Worse, they object if you don’t want that label.
The article was submitted last weekend, about 5days before it was published. That’s LGBT Weekly’s standard practice: we have to submit our commentaries 5 to 7 days before posting. In this case, the story changed about 6-hours before the article was posted online. I was ahead of the story when I wrote and submitted this piece; LGBT Weekly and I were behind the story when the essay actually posted.
Funny, but I have know that Manning had gender issues for some time. I am amused by how everyone is suddenly so “surprised.” The only news was the name. Previously it had been Breana or something like that.
Thank you for posting this, Autumn, and for all of the other great information you have shared. I appreciate the good you do and I am grateful for the insights you have provided.
Best wishes,
Joe
Thank you Joe. I wish I’d have gendered Chelsea appropriately in this essay, but even though I knew at some point it was likely she was going to clearly and concisely come out of the closet as a transitioning woman, I wasn’t expecting the announcement to be made on the day after her sentencing.