Hey all, I'm National Guard, started transitioning February 2025, (started HRT in Aug) about 2 weeks before the executive order banning us because fuck me right? Anyway my contract is up December this year and I knew transition is a pretty slow process so I figured I'd run the contract out, maybe my hairline can recover a bit before I start growing it out, and wring out school benefits while I can. (Bachelor's is done this December as well, woot)
The issue is that it's getting harder and harder to take. A long drill in an open barracks was giving me massive anxiety about my chest being exposed, having to dodge everyone asking why I'm getting out at 12 years (especially because I was deadset on doing 20 before, and plenty knew that), and even feeling distance in conversation with my fellow service members (you really don't realize how often gender comes up in conversation until they start using the wrong one. Tiny knives in every other sentence.)
Everyday I feel more and more like a vampire that wants to step into the light. So for those of you who faced discharge as part of the policy update, or have close experience with the process, what does it look like? If I decide to go this route, what's the best way to do it? What kind of discharge is it? Anyone want to try to convince me to stay?
My cost benefit analysis is something along the lines of Cost: 6 drills worth of pay + $3000 in tuition assistance vs Benefit: The elimination to the final barrier to my social transition.
Anecdotes, resources, and commiseration welcome.