I see pictures of Max Klinger, the enlisted man from Toledo, Ohio, (character played by actor Jamie Farr) in the M*A*S*H TV series, being shared all over the internet as some sort of symbol of transgender people serving in the military.

Corporal Klinger was bucking for a Section 8, which was a designation of being unfit due to psychological issues.  Cross dressing was considered a mental problem and Klinger was trying to exploit that loophole for several seasons, unsuccessfully.  Nevermind that in earlier seasons, he attempted to leave by many different means, only to be brought back by the MP’s or thwarted when his scams were uncovered.

He ended up putting his dresses away in the final three seasons as he became the company clerk, replacing the lovable Radar O’Reilly. At no time did Klinger ever claim to want to become a woman. He was married to a woman in the show.  He just wanted to dress in women’s clothing as a way to get out of the army.

I loved the character, despite his antics.  He was a good man.

The social justice warriors of today who are busy trying to rewrite history may disagree. All you have to do is watch the show.  Hope that clears things up.