GID in the military

It really is unfortunate that the military still doesnt accept people with Gender Identity Disorder, or anyone who has had corrective surgery (that is what I believe SRS to be. It corrects a birth defect). The military claimes they are more accepting of the vast range of differences in the world, and yet when someone like us tries to join, pre transition, they try to say we have a potential mental health risk, and post transition, they call it genital mutilation, akin to amputation, and say we can't join because of that either. I really cant stand this, because it means that I, a veteran of 3 years, and one combat deployment, who is planning on becoming a minister in one of the most under-represented churches in the military, can't join to help the soldiers after. I had to lie when i went to MEPS station, saying that I had no conditions, even though I know I have a major birth defect.

There is a plus side to having joined the military, however, and I can't deny this. The military experience can be quite helpful after you get out, and after recieving an honorable discharge, you can apply for VA benefits. This is especially helpful, because the VA does pay for the psychiatric care and medical needs of a trans gender vet. They dont pay for surgeries, but even just having the psychiatric care and hormones taken care of is very helpful in the long run. As far as the long term goes, the military can be very helpful in alot of things. For the short term, however, trying to cope with GID while you are still enlisted can be difficult, and its hard to find someone you can trust to talk to. The time you are in will be very stressful, and you will find that at times, you just want to shout out to the world about who you truly are. Keep your head above the water, however, and the military will reward you beyond your wildest beliefs. Best of luck to all of you, and have a very blessed day.