I'm transgender. Is the RAF the right place for me?

[lucypoulton]

I've always been interested in joining up, but I am male-to-female transgender. From what I've seen online it shouldn't be a problem - I've flicked through JSP 889 - but what is it really like? What's the general attitude towards that sort of thing?

(side note - does your uniform get tailored? I am very tall and slim and some of my ATC kit fits me like a tent)

 

[busby1971]

Hi Lucy, you might find the RAF LGBTQ+ network on Facebook is a better source of info on this, than here, there’s a lot of people like me who left a few years ago and the pace of change of attitudes has been pretty rapid on this.

Good luck

 

[lucypoulton]

Hi Lucy, you might find the RAF LGBTQ+ network on Facebook is a better source of info on this, than here, there’s a lot of people like me who left a few years ago and the pace of change of attitudes has been pretty rapid on this.

Good luck

Will take a look, thanks for the suggestion

 

[Deltaitem]

If there's an airshow anywhere near you this summer, a visit and informal chat with any RAF personnel may also give you a snapshot of what it's like right now.
It was a lot less enlightened back in the day. I'm glad to say that nowadays, the military is a lot more in tune with the values of the whole nation, because let's face it, the military is there to defend the whole nation.
Good luck.

 

[Downsizer]

Absolutely not going to be an issue.

 

[Cornish_Pikey]

Uniform does get tailored but even after tailoring it still fits most folks like a tent.

The proposed new uniform might be a better fit.

 

[Oldstacker]

Official policy is absolutely fine with it.
How individual crew rooms treat people I don't know but I guess that's no different from the wider world. There's been enough stories in the media in recent years of unacceptable behaviour of all types from groups of individuals but I think the RAF in general is more accepting of individuals as who they are and unacceptable behaviour is much less common than in the army.

 

[bigjd]

I am currently in phase 2 training and to be honest I couldn't imagine it being a problem at all! There is a zero tolerance approach to bullying of any kind and to be fair the atmosphere is really good at my camp. If it's a job that interests you then go for it, the RAF are also very good at supporting you. I have been going through some problems at home and they have been really good at squaring me away and helping me when I need it.

 

[Vushtrri]

I am currently in phase 2 training and to be honest I couldn't imagine it being a problem at all! There is a zero tolerance approach to bullying of any kind and to be fair the atmosphere is really good at my camp. If it's a job that interests you then go for it, the RAF are also very good at supporting you. I have been going through some problems at home and they have been really good at squaring me away and helping me when I need it.

Is that your trade training? How’s it going.. We moved recently and came across my old trade training notes as an air leckie from 77 and 80 if they’re any use!!!

 

[bigjd]

Thanks for the kind offer but I think I should be alright. It's tough going back to learning maths, science etc after 20 years out of school. So far passing my exams though and enjoying it! 3 months down just 12 to go!

 

[lucypoulton]

Thanks for your comments everyone, much appreciated. I may well end up at an AFCO in the near future!