Got Downvoted for Saying Happy Veterans Day as a Trans Woman on /r/veterans – Did You Know the DoD is the World’s Largest Employer of Trans People?

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to share something that happened today on Veterans Day. I posted a photo of myself saying “Happy Veterans Day” on /r/veterans, thinking it’d be a positive way to honor the day and connect with other vets. But almost immediately, I was downvoted pretty heavily, which was disappointing. I know there’s a range of opinions, but I wasn’t expecting that reaction to something so simple and positive.

It made me think about how much progress we’ve made, but also how far we still have to go, even among fellow veterans. On that note, here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: the U.S. Department of Defense is actually the world’s largest employer of trans people. Despite the challenges we face, so many of us are proudly serving or have served, which I think is pretty amazing and worth acknowledging.

I just wanted to share this experience and reminder that trans veterans are a bigger part of the military community than some might think. If you’re a trans vet too, just know you’re not alone – and Happy Veterans Day to all of us who served! 🫡