A TRANSGENDER marine will be one of the first to be formally recognised as a man in the US military after they overturned a ban on transgender service.
Lance Corporal Aaron Wixson, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, grew up as a girl named Ariel, but revealed this year he identifies a man.
Aaron, 20, was diagnosed with gender dysphoria, a condition where a person identifies as a different gender from their biological sex.
He started hormone replacement treatment with the military healthcare system with the support of his bosses earlier this year, and plans to have his breasts removed before May next year.
Once his treatment plan is complete he can change his name and gender in the military database and start dressing like a man, thanks to new rules brought in last month.
The Department of Defense overturned a ban on transgender service in June and announced that transgender-related care and treatment are covered under military healthcare.
Aaron, who enlisted as a woman in 2014, says he struggled growing up as a girl because he always wanted to be a boy.
He came out as a lesbian in high school, where he excelled in sports – particularly in football and golf.
He went to Rogers State University on Oklahoma on a golf scholarship but left to join the Marine Corps after one semester.
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Aaron, who is a field artillery radar operator, says his transition was sparked during combat training where he says “something didn’t feel right” and fully embraced being transgender after being professionally diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
He told CNN: “I’m really grateful to be able to serve openly in the Marine Corps as transgender.
“When you get to be yourself you’re a much more effective member of the team.”
Just last week he wore female Dress Blues to the Annual Marine Corps Ball in California as he is still using female bathrooms and uniforms – but he can’t wait to wear the male Dress Blues next year.
He said:”I will feel that I am finally seen as who I really am.
“I will be 100 times more comfortable, physically and mentally — which will allow me to really enjoy the ball.”
Despite his initial reservations his friends and family have been completely supportive of his transition.
He added: “They’ve worked very, very hard to get me the help I need and help me get through this process.
“I’m very lucky and grateful for their support.”
Can you serve in the UK Army if you're LGBT?
You can serve in the UK army if you are LGBT.
The Army state: “Everyone in the Army, no matter what their sexual orientation, has the right to be treated fairly with dignity and respect. Recognising that we are all different and using those differences to benefit the team is what the Army is all about.
“The Army considers sexual orientation to be a private matter for the individual. Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) soldiers serve throughout the Army’s corps and regiments playing their part in the country’s security.”
Transgender personnel are also welcomed. The Army website states: “If you have completed transition you will be treated as an individual of your acquired gender. Transgender soldiers serve throughout the Army playing their part in the country’s security.
“There is a formal network that operates in the Army to ensure that transgender soldiers can find advice and support with issues that affect their daily lives.”
His commanding officer, Col. Walker Field, said that the Marine Corps are lucky to have a team member who shows “exceptional character and patriotism”.
He said:”We are lucky to have such talent in our ranks and will benefit from his retention if he decides to undertake a subsequent tour of duty.
“Every Marine in this command deserves the very best opportunity to reach his or her full potential, including LCpl Wixson.
“Enabling LCpl Wixson to openly serve as a transgender Marine necessarily increases readiness and broadens the overall talent of the organization.”
It is estimated that there are between 1,320 and 6,630 transgender people in the US military, which has 1.3million members.
The decision to allow transgenders to serve was branded a ‘watershed moment’ by LGBT campaigners, and a relief for transgender troops who have already been serving but were previously not formally recognised.
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said at the time: “Although relatively few in number, we’re talking about talented and trained Americans who are serving their country with honor and distinction.
“We want to take the opportunity to retain people whose talent we’ve invested in and who’ve proven themselves.”
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