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ClusterFSCK70 karma

A lot of the residual psychological issues you see in the transgender community are no different than similar issues seen in any oppressed minority. Transgender folks who are not able to represent themselves because they are closeted, or who are actively discriminated against when they try to represent themselves, are part of an oppressed minority. Feelings of depression, isolation, powerlessness, etc. are very common.

As someone who was in the military I've seen this issue with several of my brothers and sisters in the military, whether it was because they were a minority religious group like Muslim or Atheist, or because they were part of the LGBT spectrum. It is often an issue because many of these people are using the military as a vehicle to escape oppressive, conservative social lives from either their families or a superstituous, impoverished culture. They come to the military expecting a meritocracy that values cooperation and mutual respect in overcoming a common foe, and find that people are still often just as petty or superstitious as the ones they're fleeing.

The first generation of military members to enlist and serve without the oppression of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" are already through with their enlistments. Many of those who were closeted and came out when that oppression was lifted are retiring now. From among many of my friends who stayed in, and from those who have only served in the more open environment, the situation for them greatly improved from the removal of that oppression, although they still have to deal with occasional bigotry. I expect when the transgender community is finally integrated openly and fully in the military, we'll see a similar improvement in their situation.

ClusterFSCK54 karma

You can apply for a TaxID in lieu of a SSN if you're interested in avoiding further enrollment. The TaxID is what your employers need to ensure payroll is collected correctly.

ClusterFSCK36 karma

As a veteran who had no issue with getting a job, the capitalist system here doesn't give a shit about your "service". Its only about what you bring to the table in terms of skills. If you were a mechanic in the motor pool or flight line, chances are good no white collar sales or office job will give you the time of day. Similarly, if you were in infantry with no marketable skills outside of marksmanship and trench digging, most businesses can't use you.

ClusterFSCK29 karma

Don't worry, they can't use modern healing spells like "Blood Transfusion III" or "Painkiller". You can burn them down pretty quick with a fast rotation, DPS build.

ClusterFSCK22 karma

Given the trivial payouts the current generation is likely to experience he's likely better off parking the money in a low overhead index fund.