This is a book that needs to be read by all readers of nonfiction. The idea that we can segregate and ban individuals willing to serve in the armed forces based on how they were born within the binary. I am not arguing on behalf of the mental health crisis and how it impacts civilians and soldiers alike. These are individuals of sound mind who know who they are and what they can do. That’s it. We can’t promote our national military without showing respect to those who choose to be there making it possible. This includes all LGBTQ+ individuals who fit the criteria to serve.

It was nice to hear authentic voices, real people who had real struggles. Many of whom had served in the military for many years and dealt with numerous policy changes under different presidents. The impact of “don’t ask, don’t tell”, complete bans on transgender individuals serving in the military, the reversal of this ban and so much more.
The overall tone of the book is open & honest. It is a group of military peers sharing their stories. It doesn’t aim to lecture or criticise, just tell their stories.

#WithHonorandIntegrity # NetGalley

A very interesting POV from veterans who served honorably in all branches of the United States armed forces. Their journeys are heart-wrenching and incredibly brave. Understanding is the key towards acceptance and I certainly learned so much about what it was like. Thank you for your service!

Thank you to NetGalley, New York University Press, and Máel Embser-Herbert & Bree Fram for the ARC of With Honor & Integrity: Transgender Troops in Their Own Words. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I found this text to be very eye-opening, informative, and enlightening on gender dysphoria transgender troops have had to undergo with consistent policy change, for better or worst, between Obama, Trump, and Biden administration.

The quote, “The history books always tells the stories of, “firsts.”,” summed up this text perfectly in how it works to normalize transgender storytelling from twenty something different perspectives to give an overview on this extensive topic.

My one suggestion on improving this text is that it lacks chapters and any formatting to break the text up, outside of five subheadings. Breaking these subheadings into distinct chapters, along with specific headings or bolding the names of new people when the perspective or story changes could help in breaking up this clunkiness.

This was a great and quick read I would recommend to anyone looking to learn more.