When I walk into a room, the first thing people notice isn’t that I’m transgender. They see the eagle on my chest, the uniform I wear and the responsibility it conveys. The conversation isn’t about my identity — it’s about accomplishing the mission. My identity, while integral to who I am, is not the banner under which I serve — that’s the flag of the United States riding on my shoulder. My identity enhances my ability to lead and connect with others, bringing strength to the military and the nation I am proud to serve.
On Jan. 27, the White House took the first steps to remove me and other transgender service members from the military, despite eight years of us serving openly and honorably.
Transgender service members, like all men and women in uniform, are judged first by the standards we aim to meet and exceed. In uniform, our character and contributions — not our gender identity — are what define us in the eyes of our peers, subordinates and commanders.
That I am transgender is an important part of my story, but it is not why I serve, nor does it define how I lead. When my nation needed me after the Sept. 11 attacks, I answered the call. I deployed to Iraq and Qatar to protect and defend the freedoms we cherish. I now lead with courage, connection, character and commitment, the core values of my Space Force service. When people see me, they see an officer dedicated to her mission, her team and her nation, and one who is developing the next generation of service members.
I came out as transgender the day the military first allowed trans men and women to serve openly, in 2016. When I transitioned, I was leading an Air Force team that took lifesaving counter-drone technology directly from the laboratory to the battlefield. On my first day as my authentic self, my team threw me a party in my office. I served through a reimposition of a transgender ban during the first Trump administration from 2019 to 2021; a policy exception allowed those of us who had already begun the process of transition to continue serving.
Serving authentically was transformative — not just for me, but for the people around me. I became a better leader when I no longer had to expend energy hiding who I was. I forged deeper connections with my team and created an environment where others felt safe to share their challenges and perspectives.
Across the military, service members are evaluated on their ability to perform under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances and lead diverse teams to accomplish complex goals. Transgender service members excel in these areas — not in spite of their identity, but often because of it. Navigating societal biases and complex policies builds resilience, resourcefulness and a deep commitment to our values. The experiences of coming out and transition build empathy. Our authenticity fosters trust and honesty.
Leadership is not about how we identify, but how we inspire. Trans service members didn’t say, “I’m broken, please fix me.” We said, “I know I’m not the best version of myself I can be, but I’ll get there despite the challenges ahead.” Ours was a story about growth, not repair. Transgender service members command units, fly aircraft, serve on ships, deploy to combat zones and develop the technologies that keep our forces safe and effective. We fight, we bleed and we serve with distinction for this nation. The accolades on our dress uniforms recognize our performance, not our gender identity.
Despite our proven performance and unwavering commitment, our ability to serve has once again been questioned and found wanting by those who see us through lenses of ignorance, bias and fear. The arguments against us echo the same claims that have been made against African Americans, women, gays and lesbians. But history is clear: Every time the military expands opportunities, it strengthens the force. Each new generation of service members who integrated with groups that had been previously discriminated against, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity, proved that our diversity is a strategic advantage.
Turning away capable volunteers or removing highly qualified service members simply because they are transgender not only weakens our military but also undermines the very principles that define America. If you meet the standard, your service should be welcomed. Transgender individuals bring critical perspectives, skills and dedication to the fight, and we deserve the opportunity to contribute to our nation’s defense. Our national security demands no less.
The post What’s Lost if the Government Pushes People Like Me Out of the Military appeared first on New York Times.
