Reader "Keori" writes in response to my "On Veteran's Day" post:
Tim, let's not erase our transgendered veterans, such as Col. Diane Schroer. She transitioned after retiring from her position as a special forces commander responsible for CT operations. After being turned down for a Library of Congress position precisely because of her transition, she sued and won a groundbreaking lawsuit that the Civil Rights Act does, in fact, apply to transgender people. She recently gave testimony to Congress on an inclusive ENDA. This lady is a hero. Let's not erase her.Touche, and good point, "Keori." Thank you to hero Colonel Diane Schroer. "Keori" also writes:
I'd also like to thank the other "silent partners" out there, those of us who have an active duty partner serving in silence, despite their Commander-in-Chief's visible, vocal derision and denigration of their service. It's so hard to live like this, to be supportive of your mate when s/he is in a profession in which not only don't you exist as a family, you CAN'T."Keori" helpfully goes on to write about Servicemembers United group. Of course, its a shame we even need a group like that to alleviate the gap between what our gay troop's partners should be receiving as benefits like every other military spouse. "Keori" is one of those silent partners and we salute you, "Keori," and will continue to struggle in solidarity with you for the day you are treated with the honor, dignity and benefits you so richly deserve as the partner of one of our LGBT troops.
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