Pentagon Releases New Policies ...

Enabling Transgender People To Serve In The Military

NPR By: Laurel Wamsley 

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby

The Pentagon announced new policies on Wednesday that undo the Trump-era rules that effectively banned transgender people from serving in the military.

The new regulations provide "access to the military in one's self-identified gender provided all appropriate standards are met," the Defense Department said in a statement, and "provide a path for those in service for medical treatment, gender transition, and recognition in one's self-identified gender."

The new policies go into effect April 30.

Among the provisions:

• The military will now provide service members a process by which they may transition gender while serving.
• A service member may not be involuntarily discharged or denied reenlistment solely on the basis of gender identity.
• Procedures will be developed for changing a service member's gender marker.
• The Defense Health Agency will develop clinical practice guidelines to support the medical treatment of service members diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

"These policies are based on the conclusion that open service by transgender persons who are subject to the same high standards and procedures as other Service members with regard to medical fitness for duty, physical fitness, uniform and grooming standards, deployability, and retention is consistent with military service and readiness," the Department of Defense instructions state.

The announcement coincides with International Transgender Day of Visibility.

Read More at NPR 

The policies announced Wednesday largely return to those created in 2016, though they were never fully enacted.

Pool Party

 

My place at the beach just opened it's new pool, hot tub, cabana and community gathering center after a complete rebuild. Many months in the waiting with all of the snow birds (Florida's winter residents) checking daily on the progress. It was with much Covid reservations and discussions, the community board finally relented and opened it last week.  

I have made many new friends there and seem to be well accepted. Several weeks ago I had a lovely neighbor couple over for salad and wine; a very nice lunch. From then I learned that before the recreation area was completely redone, the community had pot-luck events in the cabana's kitchen area.  Dinners like "Italian Night", and "Ice Cream Sunday" delights.  

Now that I have somewhat become part of the "Woman's Group" as my new friend Vivian describe it, I will be expected to attend and participate. Thus the need for a casual "party evening by the pool" outfit.

After dishing on Ralph Lauren last week (sorry)  I did find at Macy's this weekend, on sale (30%), the stripe Wide-Leg Linen Pants shown above.  Although not a big fan of linen (they wrinkle as you look at them) I did see myself in these for the pool party night. I think most any shirt or white top will look good with the pants and I showed the above with a White Lauren Linen shirt. The white sandals are from several seasons ago and are holding up well.  

Sunset over the new pool complex.
Kitchen/gathering area to the right.

This should prove to be interesting as I join in at the pool in my new "Beach Candy" suit and attend casual evening events.  I will keep you posted.