Landon Wilson, Who Was Kicked Out Of The U.S. Military For Being Transgender, Profiled On CBS Evening News

CBS Breaks New Ground With Profile Of Transgender Soldier

CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley broke fresh ground this week with an extensive profile of Landon Wilson, who was kicked out of the U.S. military because he is transgender.

"My main concern was who was going to take my spot," Wilson recalled of the moment he was forced to leave the military with an honorable discharge. He said that he identified as transgender from the time he was 3 or 4 years old: "I remember announcing proudly to my mom that this 'whole girl thing' just wasn't cut out for me. I recognized then that the reaction I got wasn't probably the best."

Although the 2011 repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" lifted the U.S. military's ban on gay, lesbian and bisexual members, transgender people are still prohibited from serving.

Dr. Jonathan LaPook told The Huffington Post in an email that he was "very grateful" for the opportunity to have interviewed Wilson for the segment, adding, "Discrimination against people like Landon Wilson often comes from misunderstanding, and we’re doing our job if we can provide insight by telling somebody’s story."

"I’m a physician and I’ve still had some trouble wrapping my arms around the concepts and vocabulary -- for example, understanding that 'transitioning' does not have to involve hormones or surgery, that it can be as simple as changing the sex listed on a driver’s license," LaPook, who is CBS News' Chief Medical Correspondent, wrote.

LaPook also penned an extensive blog on the CBS report for HuffPost Gay Voices. Head here to check it out.

Before You Go

1. Defining Transgenderism

15 Things To Know About Being Transgender By Nicholas M. Teich

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