( New York, NY ) Producers today released a new preview video for the upcoming TransMilitary reality series that will address transphobia in America with real-life stories of transgender service members on active duty, serving in silence in defiance of the military ban and compare them to their British counterparts who have been openly active for more than 13 years.
"We are at an extremely exciting stage in pre-production," said host and producer Fiona Dawson. "Since our first reel, we have been interviewing people who are actively serving in the US armed forces, who identify as transgender and some of them are even transitioning on the job."
While the policy was in effect, Don't Ask, Don't Tell ( DADT )the law that banned LGB Americans from serving openly in the nation's militaryaddressed sexual orientation, but not gender identity. The repeal of DADT had no effect on transgender service members who still serve in silence. It has been and continues to be legal to "ask" if a person is trans and fire them even without voluntary disclosure. However, the U.K. has accepted transgender service members since 1999, before they authorized LGB personnel to serve openly.
"On my recent trip to the UK, it was fascinating to spend hours talking with many leaders, including Jacqui Gavin, Chair of a:gender about why their country has been so far ahead of the US with gender non-discrimination for more than 14 years," Dawson said.
The reality series TransMilitary will engage and entertain a wide and diverse American audience while challenging their assumptions about gender and gender identity making this content a catalyst for change.
An indiegogo page has been set up to support the production of the project.
"Following the release of our first preview in August, there was an outpouring of support. Our supporters are asking how they can help ensure this story gets told on screens everywhere. Every dollar is a vote of confidence for TransMilitary and invests in changing our country for the better. We are proud to play a part in making this happen," said Executive Producer Gregory Rae.
The series, produced by Martian Entertainment is slated for an early 2014 release.
Additional Links:
www.bitly.com/WatchTransMilitary .
www.bitly.com/SupportTransMilitary .
www.facebook.com/SupportTransMilitary .
www.twitter.com/TransMilitary .