Losing My Past

August 5, 2013 | Evan Young Comments

Explaining the past is difficult for anyone who is transgender. Stories of playing softball for your alma mater become blended with your brother’s experiences playing baseball so you don’t “out” yourself as transgender. Explaining how you busted your knee in high school football becomes a story about playing a powderpuff pick-up game with friends. Read More

A Life of Service

June 11, 2013 | Brynn Tannehill Comments

Eagle Scout with Silver Palm

Air Force medical Service Technician

Trauma Nurse

Member of FEMA’s Disaster Medical Response Team, deployed after hurricanes Allison, Katrina and Rita

Coast Guard Auxiliary Volunteer

Medical services officer on Navy ships deployed six times in eight years

Trans woman

Some people seem born for service, moving through life at the tip of the spear while managing to support the ones around them who need it most. Nicole Shounder is one of those people. Read More

Transgender Soldier Meets the President

June 5, 2013 | Angelina Leger Comments

By Anonymous

Memorial Day weekend is, first and foremost, about remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It honors the many sacrifices of those who served and who are currently serving.  It lifts up families and friends who have lost loved ones to combat and in the line of duty. It recognizes the best our nation had and has to offer. Read More

Conquering the World

May 22, 2013 | Evan Young

Underneath my cover, I walk a straight line, returning salutes as I pass. A sergeant salutes and says, “Good morning, Sir.”

A warm glow flushes my cheeks, and I reply, “Good morning!” Closer to work a familiar face draws near and salutes; “Good morning, Ma’am.” A heavy feeling of discontent weighs on me, and I return the salute with the grudging reply, “Good morning.” Read More

Love and Marriage: What About Transgender Military Partners?

May 17, 2013 | Brynn Tannehill Comments

In the past few months, same sex military partners have been part of the collective American conversation. When the Fort Bragg Spouse’s Club resorted to naked discrimination and active condescension to keep Ashley Broadway out, it was splashed all over the news. When Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta extended as many benefits as possible to married same sex partners under the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the LGB community celebrated. When the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the constitutionality of Article III of DOMA, the plight of same sex military couples was front and center in the reasons for striking the law down. Read More

Hiding Behind the Mask

May 15, 2013 | Evan Young

A new name and a new beginning is where I thought I began my journey. Along the way, I realized that sacrificing my honor was not worth the facade I built. I found a way out and was nearly ousted for following my true self. Read More

Deployed, Trans and OUT

March 25, 2013 | OutServeMag Comments

BY ERIKA STETSON

Losing the opportunity to serve in the military because I am transgender was heartbreaking. Finding a way to serve again was thrilling. Read More

Navy Couple Recounts Tough Decisions

February 7, 2013 | Brynn Tannehill Comments

Reserve recruiters dream of people like Morgan Wade walking into their office. She had a sterling service record, was on the fast track to chief petty officer, and qualified in a field where the demand for skilled individuals is high. Top it off with a clear background check and a clean bill of health, and it should be easy, right?Read More

Hormone Replacement Therapy + A Tale of Two Islands

January 2, 2013 | Brynn Tannehill Comments

Cyprus in the Mediterranean, and Vanuatu, in the South Pacific, are a literally a world apart from each other. What do these places have in common? In short, the answer is drugs, the kind transgender people desperately need for transitions but often are unable to obtain through normal channels. Read about the difficulty in legally obtaining Hormone Replacement Therepy and the ease of it through these two countries.Read More

For Old Acquaintance

December 31, 2012 | Brynn Tannehill Comments

For whatever reason, this song has become traditional to the New Year. The Scottish phrase “auld lang syne” best translates as “for old times’ sake.” It asks us to reflect on friendship, and times past. After the most tumultuous year of my life I have had the opportunity to take stock of old acquaintances, and consider what has come and gone.Read More