Regardless of how policies unfold, you must prepare yourself and support one another. Here are ways you can navigate the path. By taking these proactive steps, we empower ourselves and each other to face the future with confidence and unity. Your service, dedication, and authenticity are invaluable, regardless of the challenges ahead.
- Stay Informed
- Official Communication: Policies can change quickly, and staying informed empowers you to make timely decisions.
- Reliable Sources: Seek information from credible news outlets and official statements. Avoid speculation and rumors, which can increase anxiety.
- Understanding Policies: Familiarize yourself with current military policies regarding trans service members. Knowledge is a crucial tool for advocacy and personal decision-making.
- Seek Legal Guidance
- If you’re concerned about how policy changes may affect you, consult legal advisors experienced in military and trans issues. They can provide clarity and assistance.
- Consider your Options
- Career Reflection: Reflect on your career aspirations and how potential changes might impact them. This is an opportunity to assess what you want for your future.
- Professional Development: Pursue education and training opportunities that enhance your skills. Whether within the military or in civilian life, continued growth opens new doors.
- Alternative Paths of Service: Remember that service takes many forms. If military policies limit your ability to serve openly, consider other avenues like public service, advocacy, or community leadership where your contributions can make a significant impact.
- Strengthen Your Support Network
- Family and Friends: Lean on your loved ones for support. Open conversations about your experiences can deepen understanding and provide emotional relief.
- Professional Networks: Engage with organizations that support LGBTQIA+ professionals. Networking can offer new opportunities and a sense of solidarity.
- Spiritual Resources: If spirituality is important to you, connect with safe faith communities or practices that offer comfort and guidance during challenging times.
- Advocate for Yourself and Others
- Know Your Rights: Stay informed about your legal rights within the military. Understanding protections and regulations empowers you to make informed decisions.
- Participate in Advocacy Efforts: Your voice matters. Engage in advocacy initiatives with the greater trans military community to help shape policies and promote equality.
- Educate Others: Share information about the contributions and challenges of trans service members. Raising awareness fosters a more inclusive environment.
- Prepare for Change
- Contingency Planning: Develop a personal plan for various scenarios. This might include financial planning, updating your résumé, or exploring educational opportunities.
- Resilience Building: Invest in activities that build resilience, such as physical fitness, mindfulness practices, or setting new personal goals. Strengthening your resilience equips you to handle adversity more effectively.
- Prioritize Your Mental Health
- This will be a challenging time for all of us. Seek out mental health resources early and often. Get a therapist and encourage your peers to seek help as well.
- Home Base: Home Base is a national nonprofit dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war for Veterans of all eras, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen through world-class, direct clinical care, wellness, education and research – all at no cost to them – regardless of era of service, discharge status or geographical location.
- The Headstrong Project: Headstrong’s care coordinator conducts a 20-30 minute intake to match you with a therapist who fits your needs.You and your therapist engage in trauma-focused treatments such as CPT, EMDR, PE, etc. Headstrong’s trauma treatment program provides 30 no cost sessions.
- Military One Source: One stop shop for career transition, non-medical counseling, PCSing, and so much more. This is a free resource.
- This will be a challenging time for all of us. Seek out mental health resources early and often. Get a therapist and encourage your peers to seek help as well.
- Make time for Self-Care
- Be mindful of your physical, emotional, spiritual, and material health. Recognize signs of stress, anxiety, or burnout. Engage in activities that rejuvenate you—whether it’s exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Stay out of the comment sections of posts criticizing trans issues! Never, ever, ever read the comments! You still need to eat healthy and delicious foods, and you still need to drink water. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it is a necessity
- Reach Out When Needed
- If you find yourself struggling, connect with someone in your support network—a friend, family member, mentor, or a community member you’ve become close with.
- If you need immediate help, call 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 911, or contact emergency services or mental health professionals who can offer support right away.
- Support Your Peers
- Identify those within your sphere who may be at risk or in need of support. Offer a listening ear, share resources, or simply let them know you’re there for them. Small gestures can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
- Consider volunteering in community spaces to help expand our collective reach and effectiveness. Your involvement can provide valuable support to others and strengthen our community as we navigate these challenges together.
- Participate in events, forums, and initiatives. Your involvement not only strengthens our collective voice but also fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support.
- Show up for our siblings, brothers, and sisters-in-arms. Advocate for those who are most vulnerable, and work together to create an environment where everyone feels safe and valued.
- Share Your Story
- Personal narratives are powerful tools in changing hearts and minds. Consider sharing your experiences to humanize the impact of potential policies. Your voice can help others understand the realities we face and inspire change.
- Engage Respectfully with Antagonistic Individuals
- You may encounter colleagues or supervisors who are unsupportive or antagonistic toward trans service members. In such situations:
- Maintain Professionalism: Uphold your integrity by responding calmly and professionally. Your conduct sets a positive example and can defuse tension.
- Set Clear Boundaries: If conversations become uncomfortable or disrespectful, it’s appropriate to assertively but respectfully communicate that such behavior is unacceptable.
- Seek Support: Document any incidents of harassment or discrimination. Reach out to trusted mentors, peers, or community members for support.
- Educate When Appropriate: If you feel safe and it’s suitable, consider providing educational resources to foster understanding. Sometimes, misconceptions stem from a lack of knowledge.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with military policies and regulations that protect you against discrimination and harassment. This knowledge empowers you to take appropriate action when necessary.
- Utilize Official Channels: If issues persist, report them through your chain of command or contact your Equal Opportunity representative.
- Prioritize Your Safety: Your well-being is paramount. If you feel threatened or unsafe, remove yourself from the situation if possible and seek immediate assistance.