Trinity Abigail Downing Rodeo Rider Soldier Expert Marksman Trans Woman By Denny Meyers Trinity Downing always wanted to serve in the United States Army; as a boy, her dream was to become a Green Beret. Like most transgender people, she…
This letter is long overdue, but I wanted to thank the National LGBT Bar Association, specifically, D’Arcy Kemnitz, Steve Ralls and Stephan Lessard, for their amazing work on my behalf. Over a year ago, several military Veterans were contacted in…
Joanne Carroll MSGT, USAF, Ret. by Denny Meyer Joanne Carroll is a seventy four year old retired US Air Force Master Sergeant Trans Woman. She calls herself lucky because she's in good health, has Tricare, Medicare, retirement benefits, and has reared…
Earlier this year I received a routine promotional e mail from the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL), reminding me as a veterans' advocate that VCL is the VA's front line of defense against veterans' suicide, PTSD based personal crises, and other…
For Immediate Release: Chicago, IL. - March 29, 2015. From a frenzied crowd, broadcast live on the Internet, the Trans 100 list was read with much anticipation. TAVA National President Evan Young was honored on the Trans 100 list of…
Underneath my cover, I walk a straight line, returning salutes as I pass. A sergeant salutes and says, “Good morning, Sir.” A warm glow flushes my cheeks, and I reply, “Good morning!” Closer to work a familiar face draws near…
From “The Fighter,” by Sheri A. Swokowski, March/April 2015, Our Lives Magazine, 8(5), p. 14-23. Copyright 2015 by Life in the Middle Publishing, LLC. Reprinted with permission. The Fighter Sitting in the third row of the Pentagon auditorium last summer…
In mid February 2015, the Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA) brought two highly experienced, patriotic veterans to our board; enhancing our outreach and mission of serving America’s transgender veterans and advocating for our benefits and for the honor, duty, and…
Recent litigation has made it possible for veterans to change their name on the DD-214 form. Although current regulations restrict the ability of transgender individuals to serve openly, the National Transgender Discrimination Survey (NTDS) showed that 20% of transgender adults…
TAVA, America’s national association of transgender armed forces veterans, elected new leadership for 2015 and set initiatives for coming the year. President: Evan Young, Major, US Army, Retired, with an extensive background in public affairs and advocacy, is currently the…