LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER (LGBT)

June 23, 2016

Subject: Transitioning

Scholars Across the Network:

Scholars around this nation need more access to active military personnel to conduct more scholarly research on the nature of active military experiences to better prepare personnel during their transitioning into the global civilian sectors:

http://www.slideshare.net/MilResearch/school-worktransitionproblemideas-nelsonporter2013

Here, I would like to share two stories:

A few years ago, a U.S. Marine linked with me on social media. She told me she was gay and shared her personal hard times (mental, physical, and social). She was the first openly gay U.S. Marine whom I had spoken with or known to have spoken with. One evening, we spoke for several hours with her sharing many of the hardships she faced while serving.

However, this e-communication is not primarily about her, but about another U.S. Marine I meet last night. This U.S. Marine was the first transgender I have met or known to have met. He transitioned after leaving the Corps. I was able to empathize with her. She seemed to have been at her end based on her statement that she is getting many more punches lately. I informed her that I am a Republican, and I also reminded her that she is a U.S. Marine and to take her punches. She thanked me for being open-minded.

She had not networked with other women Marines because of the fear of being rejected. I introduced her to other U.S. female Marine veterans and informed them to welcome her into the group ending my request with “Remember, Once a Marine, Always a Marine.” Then I stated to her, “All Marines should be able to come home.”

After vast communications transpired, I told the other women Marines, “Thank you,” and I told her, “Welcome Home” and shared this Marine video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avifBxNemsQ

She later replied, “Now, I am walking around my apartment singing the cadences that I learned while in”.

Further note scholars, the U.S. Marine Corps is not just a concept. U.S. Marines are a reality and are bonded by the minds and of the hearts, and not by gender!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2KeOXSL1Gc (another Marine video)

Semper Fi!

Dr. Brenda Nelson-Porter, PhD(c), ND, DM, MIT, BAS, CPP, USMC/USMCR (prior service)
CEO and Founder
Alumni Association Network

Distribution:
U.S. Commander in Chief President Barack Obama
Republican Presidential Nominee Donald J. Trump