In 2023, “allyship” is all the rage. And the largest of the U.S. Navy’s five system commands hopes you’ll get with the times.
Transgenderism is presently seen in sundry sectors — government, media, entertainment, sports, education, and even religion. Still, it’s been decided there’s a need for advanced “visibility.” And on March 31st, America’s seafaring branch celebrated supplemental sight.
From the Naval Sea Systems Command, also known as NAVSEA:
[The International Transgender Day of Visibility] provides an opportunity to raise awareness about transgender individuals and their contributions to society, while also drawing attention to the discrimination and violence many trans individuals face.
International Transgender Day of Visibility was founded by trans advocate and licensed psychotherapist specializing in transgender issues, Rachel Crandall. She was motivated to found the day of visibility in response to the numerous news and personal stories about transgender individuals being victims of targeted attacks.
This week’s #PowerfulFigureFriday is Rachel Crandall Crocker! Founder & Organizer of International Transgender Day of Visibility. It is celebrated on the 31st of March. #OHIV #RachelCrandallCrocker #InternationalTransgenderDayofVisibilty pic.twitter.com/CkSTrg1GYq
— OHIV.org (@ohivhotline) March 31, 2023
In case you’re unfamiliar, NAVSEA explains transgenderism:
Transgender women are assigned male at birth but identify as female; transgender men are assigned female at birth but identify as male.
“Encouragingly,” the SysCom weapons-builder says, “many states work every year to pass laws to protect LGBTQ+ people.”
Yet, perpetration persists:
However, some state legislatures are advancing bills that target transgender people and limit local protections.
So how might Naval Sea Systems Command readers perform their defensive duty? The answer lies in allyship:
Even if you are not a part of the trans community, a great way to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility is being an ally.
There is no one way to be a “perfect” ally. The transgender community is diverse and complex, coming from every region of the world, from every racial and ethnic background, and from every faith community. This means that different members of the transgender community have different needs and priorities. Similarly, there is no one right way to handle every situation, or interact with every trans person. Be respectful, do your best and keep trying.
Over the past few years, our military has tremendously transformed. Once focused on killing people and breaking things, the service has softened and set a course for social justice. When needed, the Defense Department will even lend a hand to lactation:
U.S. Army Announces the Allowance of Lipstick, Nail Polish, and Better Breastfeeding
In the Battle for Inclusion, U.S. Navy Employs the Weapon of Interior Decorating
Navy Says Sailors Can Use Whichever Locker Room Suits Their Gender Identity
U.S. Army Revolutionizes Its Fitness Standards so Girls Can Pass
Army Secretary Champions What’s ‘Important’: Making ‘Marginalized Communities’ ‘Feel Included’
The Army Will Force Female Soldiers to Shower With Biological Males
In the fight for transgender viewability, activism starts at the top. And last Thursday, President Biden made a declaration:
“Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates the joy, strength, and absolute courage of some of the bravest people I know — people who have too often had to put their jobs, relationships, and lives on the line just to be their true selves. Today, we show millions of transgender and nonbinary Americans that we see them, they belong, and they should be treated with dignity and respect. Their courage has given countless others strength, but no one should have to be brave just to be themselves. Every American deserves that freedom.”
Though he now sees every trans individual, it seems to have taken decades to lay eyes on even one: Across 40 prior years in government, he appears to have never acknowledged any such person’s existence. If evidence to the contrary is available, it hasn’t been widely promoted.
The President did, though, recently recall 1950s Delaware:
Biden: “I can remember exactly when my epiphany [on supporting gay marriage] was … I was a senior in high school. And my dad was dropping me off and I remember I was about to get out of the car and I looked to my right and two well-dressed men in suits kissed each other." pic.twitter.com/0aHlUQ7ghJ
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) March 14, 2023
Back to NAVSEA, the Navy is making sure the unseen are spotted. And please understand — you don’t have to understand:
You don’t have to understand someone’s identity to respect it. … [A]ll individuals, even those whose identities you don’t fully understand, deserve respect.
Even so, educate yourself:
This year for Transgender Day of Visibility, continue learning about transgender issues and rights. One of the simplest ways to be a strong ally is to take your education into your own hands and stand up for equality for all.
Equality for all sounds absolutely American; and contemporarily, it’s the aim of our war-tasked institutions.
-ALEX
See more content from me:
University Suspends the ‘American Club’ After It Claims ‘You Are Either a Man or a Woman’
Public School Teaches Five-Year-Olds They May Be Transgender, Flies the Transgender Flag
Ivy League University Dumps the Dean’s List, and the Reason Is a Real Head-Scratcher
Find all my RedState work here.
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