“But I also say this: that light is an invitation to happiness, and that happiness, when it’s done right, is a kind of holiness, palpable and redemptive.” Mary Oliver

This came from Sec. of Defense Lloyd Austin today: “Trans rights are human rights, and on this Trans Day of Visibility I’m pleased to announce we’ve updated DoD policy on the open service of transgender individuals…The update reinforces our prior decision to allow recruitment, retention, and care of qualified trans individuals.”

As a veteran and transgender woman, I cannot tell you how encouraging it is to see this reversal of such a blatant and discriminatory policy. There are thousands of eminently qualified transgender men and women who will now be able to pursue or to resume a choice of career that will benefit all concerned. 

The transgender journey has been an awkward dance for me in a late in life transition. Yet, there is nothing more soul affirming than living the truth of one’s sense of self. Nothing. It fosters the light that Mary Oliver speaks to, one streaming into the shadow world of intolerance and hatred. Such a movement engenders grace. It benefits not only the transgender population but scaffolds the authentic integrity within each of our hearts.

–Sheila Grace Newsom, MD
UN|HUSHED Medical Advisory Council