Deployed

[Guest AudrinaB]

I have been in iraq for about 4 months now and i want to start transitioning while i am here for the rest of the 7 months that are left, i feel like its something i need to do and don't feel like i am rushing anything either. My whole company found out by somebody i trusted to talk to about it also, and my platoon doesn't like me that much anyway and they are always making fun or me it just sucks over here and there i nobody to really talk to in person over here either. I have a great support system in the states which helps a lot, but they are not over here with me and i am just trying to get through these next 7 months with no problems or incidents, some people have been saying that i am going to get jumped and beat up also. I just don't know what to do if anybody has any advice i would appreciate it.

-Audrina

[Guest Elizabeth K]

First

WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME

I am not sure what advice to give you other than stay safe. You won't be able to transition if you are dead. In a super-macho place like the service, there is no telling what might happen, so I would be inclined to NOT transition until I was back home. That's just my opinion.

Lizzy

[Sally]

Dear Audrina,

I really wish that you hadn't told anyone - obviously your trust was misplaced.

You really can not count on anyone to come to your defence so transitioning would be very difficult and dangerous where you are.

You really need to see a therapist and hormones must be monitored by a Doctor to be safe.

Add to that the fact that there is a loss of muscle mass and in particular upper body strength - by the end of seven months, you would have very little chance of defending yourself against the others in your platoon.

Think this through very carefully - it looks way too dangerous to me.

Like Lizzy said, you can't transition if you're dead!

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest Donna Jean]

Hello, Audrina...Welcome to the Playground!

So nice to heve you here!

Well, I'm a Viet Nam vet and I somehow waited almost 40 years to transition! It'll be 2 months on hormones at 1:30pm today! But that's just my story...

Like Sally said ...the cat is already out of the bag...BUT...I think you should just let rest from here on out...don't mention it again....

And I think that you should wait until you get clear of that place before you start...you need SAFE hormones, a therapist, and monitoring...

If caught, there would most likely be some action taken....and don't forget that there is a physical at the end when you get out....you want to have an Honerable Disscharge, don't you?

Give all of this some consideration, Sweetheart....you don't really have that much longer to go, although it may seem long to you!

And don't forget that we're all here for you, too....we can help talk with you in the rough spots! We just want you to be safe so you have a beautiful future!

All my love

Donna Jean

[Guest DeniseNM]

Audrina welcome to Laura's, sorry I haven't responded before now but have been very busy with school and moving and work.

I am an OEF/OIF veteran myself (Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom for anyone who doesn't know the initials) was over there from Apr 03 to Jul 04. I do know how rough and hard it is over there especially going through having been outed by someone you trust. I would be very careful about doing much transitioning just because of the safety factor, although you might can start by wearing underwear and other clothes that can be under your uniform. One thing to think about is if your platoon doesn't like you and makes fun of you then it shows their own insecurities and fears and I suggest that you be the bigger and more mature lady and show them what real strength and courage is. Look them in the eye when they do anything and smile and ask them to look at themself and their own prejudices. Don't be ashamed of who you are (that is what they want) and remember that you are being true to yourself by facing who you are.

Stay safe and remember that there are people who do care about you even if we have never meet you in person. Also you might be surprised to find that there might be someone there who will support you but you need to show that you are willing to stand up for yourself first.

Denise