Alexandra Bogdanovic's Blog: That's life... - Posts Tagged "seal"

The news spread like wildfire.
Earlier this week, the world learned that Chris Beck -- a retired member of one of the U.S. military's most heralded special operations units -- is now Kristin.
Given Beck's service on SEAL Team 6, the Navy veteran's decision to detail her transition and share her new identity in her memoir "Warrior Princess" will no doubt ruffle some high-ranking feathers. But it could also prompt America's armed forces to revisit policies that now prohibit transgender men and women from serving their country.
If the latter happens -- or better yet, if the memoir helps to promote compassion and understanding as Beck hopes -- it's definitely a good thing. But in any case, Beck's decision to come forward took tremendous courage -- the same courage it no doubt took to face our enemies overseas. She should be commended.
Sadly the same cannot be said for the mainstream media, whose coverage of the story was once again designed to appeal to the lowest common denominator.
For all of the sensational headlines splashed across the Internet and all of the details about Beck herself, I found myself thinking about her family and friends. Beck says they've been supportive, and while there's no reason to believe otherwise, I can't help but wonder how they felt when they first learned the truth. Were they shocked? Scared? Angry? Hurt? Did they feel betrayed? Who helped her through her transition? Who walked away?
Perhaps Beck answers these questions in her book. But from what I can tell from mainstream media accounts, no one has bothered to ask.
That's sad.
And until next time, "That's Life..."