A thread

I read a post today, from someone in the community, that used a very broad brush to condemn anyone who chooses to serve in the military of any nation. It annoyed me greatly, as I felt it was no better than the arguments used against trans people by means of 1/

generalizations and stereotypes. It assumed that by serving in the military, we have no agency, no ability to effect change. This is the opposite of my experience, so I will lay out, first of all, my own gender transition as an active duty Royal Canadian Navy officer. 2/

By the end of December 2018, I had posted on Facebook to let everybody know that I was transgender and that I had transitioned to Meghan. I was hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. I needn’t have worried, as once again I was reminded why 3/

the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Royal Canadian Navy in particular, is a tremendously progressive organization that reflects credit upon our Canadian society.
Everyone who took the time to respond - and many more did than I dared hope - sent messages of 4/

love, acceptance, and appreciation. It was all quite overwhelming, but I was so happy to see all my colleagues, friends, and family members reaching out to affirm the necessity of my decision. I’ll forever be grateful for their love. 5/

I returned to work in January 2019 as myself, Meghan Jane. I learned later that my boss, a navy Commander, had been in discussions with the Chief of Staff, Deputy Commander, and Commander of the Naval Reserve (where I currently work, although I'm with the regular Navy) about 6/

my situation and any accommodations that might have to be made. From my perspective I didn’t need any special treatment, but to know that the senior staff where I worked were foursquare behind me was heartening, to say the least. 7/

When it came down to the crunch regarding inclusivity and compassion, they lived up to all of our military ethics.
Upon my return, everyone treated me the same. I had to deal with the base clothing section to be fitted for and issued with my new uniform 8/

and they were absolutely fantastic to me. They were sensitive and professional, and I had no qualms about being measured, fitted, and tailored. The staff in our administration section were outstanding about making sure all the various military HR databases were 9/

appropriately updated to reflect the changes, and there was one junior naval communicator who went the extra mile in ensuring my email address was changed promptly. 10/

I’m not gonna lie, though: I dreaded - absolutely dreaded - having to go to the ladies restroom. As time passed, though, I slowly realized that if anyone did care, they certainly didn’t make it apparent. We go in, we do our business, we wash our hands, and we leave. 11/

I barely give it a second thought now. And as weird as it sounds, it was tremendously affirming for me when, one day, a female colleague and I walked in together, sat down in abutting stalls, and went pee. 12/

So, it has been nearly two years now, and everyone treats me like the woman I am. I get Ma’am at work, I never get misgendered in public, and my overall happiness and confidence is off the charts. 13/

I am part of a small group that started the new Defence Team Pride Network, and I sit on the executive board as the Communications Officer, in addition to my regular duties. We're about to be officially endorsed as a formal Advisory Group to the 14/

Canadian Armed Forces, and we have already commenced influencing policy and decisions regarding LGBTQ+ members, both military and civilian. This type of inclusivity works and pays dividends. I understand that, right now, it does matter where you live, and what kinds of 15/

broad social circumstances, policies, and general public acceptance are in place. But if you don't even try, you won't accomplish anything. Is my experience universal in the military? No it is not, but neither is it rare. 16/

It gets better every year, and my remaining time in uniform will be spent ensuring that it continues to do so.

I am not socially unmoored, and I'm not a fascist. I didn't join a clan, I joined a family. 17/17