London: A 24-year-old transgender soldier has become the first woman to serve on the frontline with the British Army.
Chloe Allen joined the Scots Guards as a man in 2012 but began hormone therapy in the last month, and has officially changed her name. The 24-year-old told the Sun it was a relief to talk openly about it and said her family had been accepting of her decision. Allen, who joined the army four years ago as Ben, has now officially changed her name and started hormone therapy. “I’d love to inspire people to just come out and be themselves,” she said.
“As much as it’s a big bad world, it’s not as bad as people think and it’s easier when you’ve got your mates and your bosses behind you.”
In July, the then-prime minister David Cameron had accepted a recommendation by the head of the Army, General Sir Nick Carter, that women should be able to serve in frontline combat roles. The application process for female recruits was due to open later this year.
Chloe, who had official documents changed by deed poll from her birth name of Ben to reflect her new name and status, was informed she will be able to stay in the infantry, as a woman.
Allen, a soldier from Cumbria, told the Sun she began dressing in her mother’s clothes when she was eight. She said she felt frustrated and unhappy and had to “learn to control it and crack on”.
While still living as Ben Allen a fellow serviceman discovered her dressed in female gear. Chloe, who was deployed on ceremonial duties guarding royal residences in London, said she was overcome with worry, but after receiving support from the serviceman — and the rest of her battalion — she says she realised she no longer had to “live a lie”.
