Transgender Ex-Military Member’s Surprising Take on Trump’s Policy

A male Army veteran underwent feminizing procedures—and became known as Jessica Watkins, ’the transgender J6‘er’ who holds unexpected views on transgenderism.

(Left) The military veteran now known as Jessica Watkins served in Afghanistan in 2002. (Right) Jessica Watkins, 42, an Ohioan who previously underwent transgender medical procedures, in a 2025 photo. Courtesy of Jessica Watkins

While serving in the military, an Ohioan harbored a painful secret.

After being “outed” for identifying as transgender, the Afghanistan veteran was discharged from the Army, took on a new name, and underwent feminizing cross-sex hormones and surgery.