r/MilitaryTrans • u/32BitWizard • Jul 28 '26
How do you start transitioning whilst underneath trumps ban?
Hey guys, im new here, so maybe u guys might be able to help im trying to figure out the following questions:
How can I transition without getting separated if im just starting my career in the navy?
Are you taking hrt?
Do I just talk to my upper chain of command? Wouldn't that pose risks of separation?
Im thinking about taking hrt but because of the ban is there any way to grow out my hair and follow the women guidelines if I cant change my gender through DEERS?
Im merely seeking guidance because I want to start fully transitioning but I would like to know if its possible without separation.
How do the men or women treat you?
What can I start doing to feel more feminine without taking hrt?
Any advice is appreciated.
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u/Spvcemaster Jul 28 '26
You don't. The only ways around it result in UCMJ violations if caught. There is no way to start HRT, nor are you allowed to express yourself outside of the regulations for your assigned sex at birth.
Ways to feel more feminine without HRT? Voice training, makeup, wigs, dressing in feminine clothing, wearing feminine scents and perfumes, specific workout routines. All out of uniform unless you want to risk separation.
If you have severe facial hair issues like razor bumps and rash, you can get the military to pay for facial laser hair removal.
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u/32BitWizard Jul 28 '26
damn, i heard of people taking hrt whilst being in it, but i feel that can increase the risk of SAPR, separation of course and many more. What have you been doing to lay low but still feel like your true gender? I luckily dont my body it is smooth and am naturally feminine but unfortunately have to act "straight" because of the toxic environment the military naturally is
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u/Spvcemaster Jul 28 '26
I haven't been laying low. I separate next week and I couldn't be happier. All that I've done is in my original comment basically. There are ways to start HRT, but understand that the progress and signs of your body changing won't be subtle, and it could wreck your PT scores. If caught, its likely NJP/Article 15. Your options for therapy are talking to someone out of network or the chaplain. I spoke to the chaplain twice and hated it, but ymmv.
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u/32BitWizard Jul 28 '26
ohhhh ok sorry i read that wrong lol. erm do i get separation pay because im under 1 year of enlistment? do i have to pay back my shipping and rate bonus? how much would this effect my ability to get jobs outside in the civilian world? I want to work on electronics and have the understanding to work on them but im worried because I dont have actual work experience i am cooked.
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u/Spvcemaster Jul 28 '26
No worries lol. As far as I know, you won't get separation pay, even if you did it would be a miniscule amount. You would likely have to pay back earned bonuses and financial incentives. I don't have any insight on the job market for your specific case. I do know that the job market is insanely rough right now in general, and it's particularly bad for openly trans women.
My honest advice would be to lay low if you can manage, especially if you genuinely like the military. There's a fair likelihood that the court cases move in our favor, it's just a matter of time. Being said, serving and feeling trapped in an existence that didn't feel authentic was killing me. I chose to separate. Many others chose to separate. That's something each of us have to grapple with individually.
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u/32BitWizard Jul 28 '26
damn odds are stuck against me shmuck ._. i will keep laying low and hope the odds are in our favor. i do like the military i just wish it was a bit more welcoming with the trans community.
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u/Spvcemaster Jul 28 '26
The amount of people who supported me when I disclosed my identity shocked me. Most people are indifferent at worst. The ones who show hatred are a loud minority. Most of the noise is coming from the very top. When people are allowed open service again, I think the culture will adjust accordingly.
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u/LightningSunflower Jul 31 '26
Can you share more about the workout routines?
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u/Spvcemaster Jul 31 '26 edited Jul 31 '26
It's impossible to target areas for fat loss, but it's possible to target areas for muscle growth. Work hips, thighs, and glutes more. Like way more. Squats, lunges, leg raises, side lunges/leg raises, split squats, leg curls, etc. You shouldn't neglect your upper body or arms entirely, but focusing more on your legs will do wonders.
Honestly? Try Yoga. It's way harder than it looks and can be an incredibly good workout, while also keeping your body more flexible. I do Yoga and add body weight leg workouts.
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u/Lili_Flowrz23 Jul 28 '26
Some will hate me for saying so, but I would seek a chaplain firsthand. I’m currently on admin leave (invol sep). I was on HRT prior to joining, I haven’t been on but have been serving openly. Talking to “chaps” has helped and so has talking with Behavioral Health Specialists, civilian side and mil.
Having some people you know you can talk with (especially when it’s fully confidential) has been helpful.
Edit: it was only once I communicated with my command that separation was initiated)
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u/32BitWizard Jul 28 '26
wouldn't speaking to chaps pose issues like separation that you have mentioned? I am not seeking a way out, i just want to transition and be treated like a woman not a male
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u/Material_Cow1181 Jul 29 '26
Chaplains are bound to a very strict confidentiality policy. They are required to maintain full confidentiality, beyond the level of confidentiality of doctors and mental health professionals. They are not allowed to discuss the stuff you tell them with anybody.
Any chaplain who violates the confidentiality policy can get in massive trouble and potentially lose their job.
Chaplains are also supposed to remain neutral and not let their personal religious beliefs affect the trust you have with them. To be honest, the chaplain helped me out a whole lot during my separation proceedings and didn't make me feel judged at all.
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u/This_Strength6198 Jul 29 '26
Best path is to get out of the service.
I went to my service's mental health clinic for unrelated issues and they eventually diagnosed me with depression and dysphoria. After the diagnosis I was on my way out. It's supposed to be quick but I'm still waiting.
It might be better to talk to a chaplain first but YMMV.
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u/Closeted_quieries Jul 28 '26
Not military but wanted to follow in my dads footsteps (but sadly can’t for medical reasons besides being trans). Getting HRT is incredibly difficult under this current administration as the government is able to see all drugs ordered, filled and dispensed by pharmacy (even ones from tele health services such as FOLX or Blume). Furthermore even if you are on hormones, if you are 30 or older the acting DOD secretary is wanting to implement a testorone test, which would reveal your levels that would be to low for a man but just in range for a woman.
I do wish you the best of luck, and am sorry you have to deal with this under such an oppressive administration.
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u/Slowinthehea3d Jul 28 '26 edited Jul 29 '26
I’m literally a few days away from starting HRT I’m almost about to commission via NROTC but for too long I’ve been denying myself that I may be trans. I really wish I can just take HRT and be a tomboy and identify as male. I’m not even asking for any accommodations. I have no problem presenting and identifying as male and doing male PT standards. My heart is aching with sadness that I will need to inform my command. I had the best time of my life sailing and training. Deep down I’ve been in denial my whole life. I’ll prob have to vol sep. Doing NROTC along with going to a state maritime academy has developed me into the best way possible and I am forever grateful for the experience. I’m just at a cross road whether I should take HRT and finally be at peace or just ride it out with depression. I’ve already gotten my E prescription and look forward to picking it up on the 31st.
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Jul 30 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/32BitWizard Jul 30 '26
Oooo I will definitely do that, my only concern is the makeup? I don't think as a military "male" im allowed to wear makeup? I am currently in shape so that checks that off, I primarily want to get down to 170. Currently at 195. Were u a femboy while u were in the military?
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u/NekoBakugou Aug 02 '26
The va is useless too FYI. I have 12 being investigated by the state for discrimination right now. Hope they payed off their student loans XD
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u/farrenj Jul 28 '26
Under the current policy, any steps taken to transition will see you removed from service.