Autumn Sandeen’s military career spans 20 years. The U.S. Navy veteran who fought in the Persian Gulf War is proud of her service as a man and as a woman.
“Especially during my last four years, I knew I was a closeted trans woman,” Sandeen told NBC 7 Monday. “I was sexually harassed during my last year because I couldn’t hide my feminine behavior, and I was presumed gay.”
“I know what it is to hide,” she said.
Monday’s announcement by the Department of Defense regarding planned policy change regarding transgender service members strikes a chord with Sandeen.
In a statement, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter wrote “current regulations regarding transgender service members are outdated and are causing uncertainty that distracts commanders from our core missions.”
Carter announced he has issued two directives:
1) To "create a working group to study over the next six months the policy and readiness implications of welcoming transgender person to serve openly.
2) That “decision authority in all administrative discharges for those diagnosed with gender dysphoria, or who identify themselves as transgender, be elevated to Under Secretary Carson, who will make determinations on all potential separation.”
Allyson Robinson says that means the Department of Defense will, “bring up to date the current outdated policy that classifies transgender people as mentally ill or sexually deviant.”
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Robinson is with SPARTA, an advocacy group for LGBT active-duty military members and veterans. She says SPARTA has worked with the DOD closely for two years on this issue.
“My only concern is that opponents of inclusion outside of the Department of Defense, in Congress for example, may try and force their will on the experts and military policy at the Pentagon and try to derail the changes that are being made.”
“But, I think that is unlikely at this point,” Robinson added.
Autumn Sandeen said her experience in the military as a closeted trans woman was very difficult. However, she is confident current active-duty members will follow these expected new orders.
“Military people are professionals. When 'Don’t Ask Don’t Tell' was repealed, we didn’t see a mass exodus of people. The military adapted…We are going to see people doing their jobs just as they always have,” she said.
“[Transgender] soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines will be able to serve with integrity finally. That’s the key part of this,“ she said.
Conservative Christian group The Family Research questions Carter’s decision asking, “Why is this the top priority for the Obama administration?”
Secretary of Defense Carter wrote, “our military’s future strength depends on it.”
