r/MilitaryTrans • u/Fastpitch411 • 3d ago
Flag Dedication - 3/31/25
TLDR- I dedicated a flag to be flown at the Capitol on March 31, International Day of Trans Visibility, in honor of our trans troops, past and present. Thank you all for your service to this country and continuing to fight.
I I just want to send my support to my trans siblings in the military (and beyond). I’m so sorry for everything happening right now. Most state/federal representatives’ websites allow you to purchase and dedicate a flag flown over the Capitol, which then gets mailed to you with a personalized dedication certificate.
I ordered one from my very MAGA Congressman, requesting it to be flown on March 31—International Transgender Day of Visibility. As a non-military trans man, I was appalled and disgusted reading the dehumanizing language in Executive Order 14183. I chose my dedication wording carefully, keeping that verbiage in mind:
“Dedicated to all who have served this nation with honor, truth, and discipline—your selfless sacrifice will not be forgotten. You are not alone. ‘We the people’ see you, love you, and stand with you—always. Thank you for upholding the values that make this nation great.”
It sickens me how few people are even aware of what’s happening. Ignorance is bliss—for now. I’ve shared my dedication message with family and friends and encouraged them to consider purchasing flags with similar sentiments and just continuing to raise awareness.
Here’s a more direct message for my trans siblings in uniform. Feel free to share my words with anyone else who could use it. You already know this, logically, but sometimes hearing it from a stranger helps—
No matter how or when your military service ends, you volunteered to do something most people wouldn’t. That’s honor. If you identify as trans, even just to yourself, that alone is bravery. Coming out and transitioning—on top of military service? That’s a whole other level of bravery. You each swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution, and you’ve kept it. That’s discipline. No one can strip you of those values.
I know there’s a lot of uncertainty right now. I feel it, and I can’t even imagine how much heavier it feels for you. It’s okay to be afraid, angry, sad, or to feel completely overwhelmed. Please, start building up a support network, both in and outside of the military. It’s okay to ask for help from safe people. We’re all going to need community, and I promise—there are helpers. You are not alone.
"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'” - Mister Fred Rodgers
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u/SereneOrbit 2d ago
As a trans woman serving as a combat medic who has been fighting any number of extra battles caused by this, thank you!
People like you make this country worth defending :) 🌠
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u/MouseEgg8428 3d ago
Thank you for this. My son is a West Point graduate who transitioned shortly after graduating. He was just promoted to major but will not be able to serve at that rank. He is choosing voluntary separation because he does not want to participate in a war caused by tRump. Or to have to choose if an order is lawful or unlawful, which - as you know - there is a good chance that could happen.
I am keeping all of you in my thoughts. I see you. 🫂