Tagged: acceptance, JaneSays
- This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 6 years ago by Terrisa Washbourne.
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- November 6, 2017 at 4:37 am #72026Anonymous
I first posted this story a year ago. As we approach a time of commemoration again I thought it might be worth re-posting.
In Australia we have a major national day of commemoration, called Anzac Day. The day is the anniversary of military landings at Gallipoli, Turkey when, on the 25th of April, 1915, soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) stormed ashore as part of what became a disastrous campaign. On that day it is considered that the ‘true’ Australian spirit was recognised for the first time.
Despite the ultimate failure of the whole campaign the anniversary of that first day has come to be the day on which Australia and New Zealand remember not only those first “Anzacs” but each and every person who has subsequently served their country as part of the defence forces.
In 2016, along with thousands of other Australians, I stood in the pre-dawn darkness at the Australian War Memorial and listened to the poignant words delivered by the Memorial Director, Dr. Brendan Nelson. As with most of those present, I was moved by what he said, though in my case perhaps I was moved for different reasons.
Of particular note to me was his statement “No Australians have given more, nor worked harder to shape our values and our beliefs, the way we relate to one another and see our place in the world, than those who have worn or who now wear the uniform of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army or the Royal Australian Air Force. They have given us a greater belief in ourselves and a deeper understanding of what it means to be Australian.”
I served my country for over 40 years, firstly in the Australian Army then in both the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy Reserve. For that service I was awarded the relevant service medals. After leaving the permanent forces I entered government service, firstly in a government Organisation and then as a member of the Australian Federal Police. My service with the AFP was also recognised. I am proud to have been one of those people that Dr. Nelson noted. I also noted the closing words of his delivery: “For we are young, and we are free”, a line from our National Anthem.
I may not be so young anymore but I have always believed that as individuals we have the freedom to express who we are and be proud of what we’ve achieved. As a transgender person I present at times as a male to female crossdresser. It is no longer an offence against any laws in Australia to present as a gender other than that as noted on one’s birth certificate. In recent years general society has become more understanding and tolerant of those of us who do not quite fit the concept of a binary gender. Not everyone is a “typical male” nor is everyone undergoing transition such as recently exemplified by former Group Captain Cate McGregor AM. Some of us fit somewhere in between.
Since I can remember I have attended Anzac Day services, at first with my father, later as a member of the military, and more recently as a retiree able to look back on my service to my country. I have always been inspired by those who have gone before me. After hearing Dr. Nelson’s address in the Anzac dawn I was so inspired that I decided to exercise the freedom that has oft been spoken about yet doesn’t always seem to be applied to all members of our society. I decided to attend the main Anzac Day service at the AWM presenting as female.
For the service I dressed modestly and respectfully and with my very supportive wife by my side I took my seat in the Friends area at the AWM. I proudly wore the medals I’ve been awarded and, as my wife noted, all those I interacted with showed nothing but courtesy and respect. It was a momentous day for me, and for once I really felt that the service I’ve given, as has been given by so very many other transgender people, was truly in the cause of freedom – freedom to be who we choose to present as in a dignified and respectful manner.
On the afternoon of Anzac Day I was extremely pleased to see a photograph posted on the AWM Facebook page that showed the area where we were sitting. Yes, there I was, though perhaps only noticeable to me. Later a similar image appeared on the AWM Flickr page and in that one I was certainly visible.. The next day another photo had also been posted and I was overjoyed to see that this one showed just me and the man sitting in the seat in front of me. There I was, just a face in the crowd yet feeling nine feet tall. In the photo I don’t look ‘happy’ but that’s merely bad timing. I remember glancing around and seeing the photographer moving his camera away. At the time he’d taken the shot I was in conversation with my wife and that is what shows on my face.
Still, I achieved my goal. As Jane I proudly attended the national commemoration service and I stood proudly with my head held high, wearing the awards that are mine by service. No-one can take that away from me, even though there are those who seek to drive people like me back into a closet somewhere. What counts is that Jane was there, her chest swelled with pride (okay, maybe a wee bit of silicone) and it was all positive.
Lest We Forget.
- November 6, 2017 at 11:24 am #72063Anonymous
Thank you Jane.
Your story exemplifies the love of freedom and a ‘fair go’ that makes Australia the place I’m proud to call home.
Helen
- November 7, 2017 at 4:26 am #72117
What a powerful story, JaneS! It proves that the only fear most of us have is that first step out of the closet. Others do not seem to care how we perceive what we are are but who we are. Liberty and freedom for all! Again thank you. Hugs – Terrisa.
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