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.
Janice Hisle
Senior Reporter
Janice Hisle mainly writes in-depth reports based on U.S. political news and cultural trends, following a two-year stint covering President Donald Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign. Before joining The Epoch Times in 2022, she worked more than two decades as a reporter for newspapers in Ohio and authored several books. She is a graduate of Kent State University's journalism program. You can reach Janice at: [email protected]
