To my wonderful readers around the world,
This Monday in the US we will be celebrating Memorial Day. It is a day of remembrance for those who gave their life in active service in our military. It is a day when we pause to honor those brave soldiers who will never return.
I know that many of you live outside the United States – from the United Kingdom to the United Arab Emirates, from Australia to Austria and from the South Korea to South Africa. I also know that many may disagree with the wars that have been waged by the United States. For a moment I ask that you set aside politics and national boundaries as you read my words – words meant to uplift and show appreciation.
I have many readers who live in the Middle East, and every few weeks I hear from someone who mentions that wearing clothes of the opposite gender is illegal, and could result in prison time or worse. They ask for my advice, and I’m at a loss – I live in a country where we enjoy freedom of expression. It may not be safe going out en femme in every neighborhood of every city, but people are free to express their gender, and to advocate for increasing their rights.
In Russia transgender people are legally unfit to drive, and even in parts of Europe the transgender laws are atrocious! Georgia requires sterilization before transgender people can be legally recognized, Armenia does not offer legal recognition. Cyprus, San Marino, Turkey and Ukraine require divorce in order to recognize your new gender.
Sacrificing for Freedom
The price of freedom
Freedom is the ability to think your own thoughts, articulate your own truths and lead your own life. Freedom is the freedom to crossdress (or not), the freedom to advocate for transgender rights and the freedom to disagree with those who do. Often times we in the transgender community are embattled fighting for our own rights that we forget the rights that we already have.
In the United States, as well as in many countries around the world, we enjoy a level of personal freedom unheard of in the history of mankind. We can chart our own course through the journey of life, live where we want to, be who we want to without the fear that we will be put in prison or executed. This freedom has allowed us to take those first tentative steps out in the world dressed as of vision of ourselves. And this freedom has allowed many to take the final step on their gender transition by aligning their body with their soul.
I believe that there are some ideals so noble they are worth fighting for, worth dying for. Freedom is one of them. This memorial day I honor all the brave men and women in uniform who died for the noble ideal of freedom. Your sacrifice has allowed me to live my life as who I am.
Thank you.
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well said!
Great piece, Vanessa, but I am shocked there is no reference to Chelsea Manning, an Army heroine who has fearlessly flown the flag for both freedom of expression and the transgender community all over the world.
Thanks Caroline,
Unfortunately I don’t share your opinion of Chelsea Manning. She released classified documents without redacting the names, putting the lives of army men and women in danger. Regardless of how wrong the war is, I don’t think it’s excusable to take such brazen action without considering the consequences to your brothers and sisters in arms.
Agree 100 percent Venessa. Thank you for putting it out here.
You’re right in that aspect to a certain degree, as the “brothers and sisters in arms" are actually also being put in extreme danger by the politicians who send them. Or do these people have the right to do so in the name of “national security"? Sorry, I don’t buy that, but then I’m only a Citizen Jane…… Love and peace.
I am glad Chelsea Manning could become who she felt she was gender wise. I do NOT accept what she did regarding the information she had access to as being anything else than pure criminal. She violated several oaths that she took, she violated security regulations, put lives in danger when she did not redact names before sending the information out to who ever. She should spend every day of the rest of her life in prison, I am a 26 year military veteran and am absolutely appalled by what she did. She placed herself above everything else and her… Read more »
Thank you for your service Jinian.
Many veterans I know also share your opinion. They all take the oath they made extremely seriously, and have a deep respect for the safety of those who may fight alongside them.
Ever since I was very young I actually would identify with male/female and child and infant issues, I would act out or retreat to one of these as my comfort, in those days there was not a lot of information on anything like this, I just knew I was different than others, I understand a lot more than I used and am more comfortable being myself.
John
John hon, thank you so much for stopping by. It’s a blessing that you are able to learn and love yourself. Keep growing – you are always welcome here!
Those that have fought for the freedoms that we take for granted, whether they have survived or died, deserve our utmost respect and thanks. As the transgender community work to gain more freedoms and equality we should also remember that in the future people, sadly, continue to fight and die in order to protect these freedoms that we seek. I know, and have worked with, so many people in the armed forces, throughout my career and I am grateful for each and everyone of them, and also to have had the chance, even if only in a small way, to… Read more »
Good news: A trasgender Ms. Manabi Bandopadhaya has been appointed as college principal of Krishnanagar women’s collegecollege in Kolkatta India.
i couldn’t have said it better myself.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning, we will remember them.
LEST WE FORGET.