CNN news 2013-06-12 加文本

cnn news 2013-06-12

Hi, I'm Anderson Cooper. Welcome to thepodcast.

The remarkable story, a former Navy Seal, Christine Beck, speaking about hernew and newly public life as a woman she always knew she was. It's the 360exclusive, let's get start.

In just a moment, an exclusive conversation I had today was someone who hasdemonstrated the bravery time and time again as US Navy Seal. They served thiscountry with great strength and great honor for 20 years. But now, she isshowing another kind of strength living as a woman she's always felt she'sbeen.

Christopher Todd Beck enlisted with the military in 1990 with the dream ofjoining in the US Navy Seals. The elite unite with the reputation for being oneof the toughest, the fittest and the most secrets forces in the US military.

Beck realized that dream serving for 20 years for the Seals, in some mostdangerous battle grounds around the world, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Aformer Navy Seal who knew Beck says he had stellar reputation among hiscomrades.

By the time he retired from service sin 2011, Beck had a long list of medalsand commendations including the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart.

But for 20 years while Beck was fighting for his country, he was also fightingan inner battle, a battler over his gender identity.

Christen Beck wants to live his live openly and honestly as a woman, which ishe started doing after he retired in 2011. christen Beck, is now Christin Beck.She's currently hormone replacement therapy and feels like she's becoming theperson she was always meant to be.

It's been a long journey for Christine to get to this point. She's written abook about her experience, called Warrior Princess hoping to help others.

The book comes nearly 2 years after the Department of Defense repealed don'task, don't tell policy allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly the military.But gender identity has nothing to do with sexuality. Transgender men and womenare still banned from service. The 20-year decorated combat veteran would notbe allowed to serve the military as she lives her life today.

As you hear, she wants to be happy even ordinary life. For years though lifewas anything but. Here's part one of my exclusive conversation with ChristineBeck.