VA Update

"The National Center for Transgender Equality" recently released a policy brief updating recent Veterans Administration changes regarding transgendered veterans.
As you all know this is all near and dear to me. The VA is my primary health care provider and I have considered approaching them with my transgendered status during the past several years.
I researched and learned there was no real uniform transgendered policy in the VA.
Now there is but what does the policy really mean. 
Here is a portion of what the "NCTE" thinks:
"This victory is only a start, however. Much work remains before
transgender veterans are fully able to live equally to non-transgender
veterans. Below are some of the policy areas still on NCTE’s veterans
health agenda.

   * NCTE and allies will soon release a comprehensive model policy
for VA facilities for the appropriate treatment of transgender
veterans. This policy will be offered to VA facilities nationwide for
their adoption.

    * Now that the VHA explicitly requires proper treatment of
transgender veterans, it is clearly necessary for frontline providers
to receive training on what that means. The VHA immediately should
undertake a cultural and medical competency program.

    * Unfortunately, VHA regulations still prohibit the agency from
providing or paying for sex reassignment surgeries. TRICARE and
CHAMPVA regulations also prohibit these health plans from covering
some transition-related care. These agencies should begin immediately
the process of reevaluating the regulatory prohibitions regarding
transition-related care based on contemporary medical evidence and
accepted clinical guidelines."

Most certainly I'm excited about this turn of events and waiting for more information.
Discharge papers (DD-214), are a huge part of all of this too.
Work is being done to change the "gender marker" on the all important 214. 
In essence I could be not automatically outed if I went through transition and presented female at the VA if my 214  was changed.
These are all huge steps within the VA but certainly not the last!

Ouch! Part Deux!

Janie (who I respect so much) commented on my "Ouch" post.
Her comment started my thought processes. Where have I taken myself since?
The easiest answer is looks. I did go back to my dark look as suggested by more than one of you. (Thanks)
A much deeper change took place too.  I rededicated myself to my chosen gender.
No matter how I feel between the ears, my physical presence will always be a work in process. "Walking the talk" so to speak.  We all know how many factors are involved regardless of looks.
Posture, voice mannerisms all play a part.
I believe I had become too complacent. Too much of my male came through.
I entered a work cycle which by necessity is male. I didn't flip the gender switch completely.  I was lazy and over confident.
I learned again to take nothing for granted!

This Picture IS Worth A Thousand Words!