It is with sadness that on Tuesday I received the final opinion of the Justification Board, the dismissal proceedings to which I am being subjected. They decided that I am guilty of not being promoted (yes, that's right!) for not meeting the medical and clinical conditions for promotion—an allegation that was clearly and repeatedly refuted in the course of the proceedings, which included an evaluation by the Corporation's Medical Board. In practical terms, it is suggested that I be compulsorily retired.

After 26 years of service, this is the most painful moment I have ever faced. All this time, I did not know what I was being accused of, and I still do not know. There is no explanation. The alleged reason has no legal basis and cannot be sustained by the evidence. They do not want to state the real reason. But we know what the motivation is. It just was never stated at any point.

It should be a basic principle that everyone has equal opportunities and respect, regardless of their identity or sexual orientation. It is unacceptable that I am being punished simply for my travesti existence and for the discomfort my presence may cause.

I have always reflected on recent human rights violations and wondered how these atrocious situations came to happen. How many people involved had to give their approval for such atrocities to materialize? How many consciences grew silent and abandoned their humanity to support such inhumane acts? I never imagined I would be one of those people.

In this moment of sadness and outrage, I find comfort in those who came before me and those who are yet to come. And in the hope that justice will prevail. Even if delayed, I still believe it will come to pass.

This is not the end of this journey. The decision rendered by the Justification Board remains subject to confirmation by the Governor and, subsequently, to review by a panel of the Court of Justice.

We will continue to fight. Despite the adversities, we are far from the end of this battle.

Image: MEYER, Henry. "Le traître : Dégradation d'Alfred Dreyfus". 1895, France

#ForEveryoneToSee The drawing shows Captain Dreyfus, already stripped of his ranks, in front of a squad of military personnel, watching his sword being broken by another officer.