And it has actually given me more faith for the future! I had appointments every day this week because my body is a wreck after the Navy. Every single time I go, I've been wearing various political shirts. Examples: "Veterans against Trump" "All gave some, some gave all. One had bone spurs. Veterans against Trump" "I'm a veteran, not a sucker or loser, I swore to defend the constitution" "TRUMP IS A TRAITOR"
Yes, I know it's kinda cringe and boot. But I've been wearing them for a reason. I live in Texas and I'm tired of people thinking that all vets are Trumpers. I don't care if I'm cringe or boot, I wear these so other people can see that some of us will speak against this shit.
Every single day, at least 2 veterans have told me that they agree, given me high fives, told me they loved my shirt, etc. Multiple staff members have as well! My prosthetisist and my psychiatrist have both said that they wish they could wear things like that or express their opinions that openly. I've had nurses, doctors, and admin all tell me that they love it. I've watched them read my shirts and smile, and treat me me much more warmly. My psych told me that she loves seeing how I'm so willing to stand up for what I believe- and it's just a shirt! But it's a shirt in a veteran hospital, in a red state, and I'm a transgender gay man so I have more of a target on me.
And NO ONE HAS SAID SHIT! Sure, I've seen plenty of people read my shirt, purse their lips, glare at me. None of them have said a damn word. Literally nothing verbally negative. Not a single staff member has done any of that btw, only vets and civilians when I go to Walmart or whatever after the VA. Zero negative reactions from VA staff - obviously if they disagree they can't say anything, but I'm talking about not even any negative body language, and I've been watching for it whenever people read the shirts.
Today I wore the Trump is a traitor shirt. I was at the VA for 4 hours and I got 2 high fives, 4 knuckle bumps, and a fucking hug, which I absolutely loved seeing that level of agreement!
I know it's just a shirt. But it's something. And the veterans who's faces light up when they see the shirts, who go "I'm not alone! Other vets hate this too!"
I'm gonna keep doing this and wearing these shirts. Last pic is me with my sign at the protest last Saturday
Originally Posted By u/sabertoothdiego At 2025-04-11 08:11:17 PM | Source
I’m trying not to cry