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The Thought Show: Transgender in the US Military, India’s Midnight Selfies and Eavesdropping

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Are there 15,000 transgender people serving in the US military?

17/08/2017 GMT

Transgender in the US Military, India’s Midnight Selfies and Eavesdropping

BBC World Service - The Thought Show, Transgender in the US Military, India’s Midnight Selfies and Eavesdropping

Transgender people in the US Military, India’s midnight selfies and eavesdropping

Transgender people in the US Military – do they really number 15,000?  India’s midnight selfies and a women’s rights campaign, and the act of eavesdropping – why are we tempted?

President Trump recently announced that the US Government "will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. military."  This provoked criticism from Congressman Mark Pocan who said that there were 15,000 transgender people serving in the military today. That number was widely reported – but is it true?

A visual protest accompanied by a viral hashtag has sparked a new twist in the fight for women's rights in India.  It began with one woman driving in her car late at night, and has resulted in the country's ruling party facing embarrassment and possible damage to their reputation.  

On trains, in cafes, offices and in the street, we cannot help overhearing conversations not intended for our ears.  Catherine Carr explores why we eavesdrop, and whether it is a harmless habit or a dangerous invasion of privacy. 

(image: US Joint Service Honor Guard, Washington DC. Credit: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

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