Sex-change officer was 'mocked'

Joanne Wingate is claiming sexual discrimination

Organised mockery of a transexual army officer by her platoon, has been described as "horseplay", by the commanding officer.

Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Thorpe told an employment tribunal about a military parade in which around 15 members of a platoon dressed up as women.

Joanne Wingate, 42, who had surgery to become a woman in 1998, claims this was one incidence of sexual discrimination against her because of her transsexuality.

Ms Wingate claimed that in the parade in Germany in 1998, Lt-Col Thorpe did not question the platoon's behaviour or make any comment.

Derogatory remarks

On Wednesday, Lt Col Thorpe told the tribunal in Bristol: "I thought it was horseplay. Friendly banter."

He told the hearing that Ms Wingate, a former Warrant Officer class two, had said to him: "Don't worry sir, it's sorted," and so he took no further action.

Ms Wingate, from north Somerset, was the first person in the army to change gender but claims there was an effort to discharge her and that she was refused access to appropriate medical treatment.

Ms Wingate, who joined the army in 1981, had said she revealed to the army that she was "gender dysphoric" (transsexual) in 1997.

As a result of her decision to undergo "gender reassignment", the army tried to medically discharge her, she said.

She also said she was moved to a new post, which lessened her chances of promotion, and that her record, medals and administration were not changed to take account of her new gender.

Ms Wingate who is claiming sexual discrimination, also claims she was sexually harassed and suffered derogatory remarks and unfair treatment.

The hearing continues.