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 represents. My identity, while important, isn’t the focus—my mission is. I serve under the flag on my shoulder, not any label tied to who I am.

But now, that’s all at risk. On January 27, the White House took steps to remove transgender service members like me from the military, despite eight years of us serving openly and with honor. This move cuts deep, not just for me, but for the strength and diversity it takes away from our armed forces.

Being transgender is part of my story, but it’s not why I serve. After the September 11 attacks, I answered the call to defend my country. I’ve deployed to Iraq and Qatar, and now I lead in the U.S. Space Force, shaping the next generation of service members. My gender identity hasn’t held me back—it’s made me a better leader, more connected to my team, and more committed to our shared goals.

When I came out as transgender in 2016, the military allowed us to serve openly for the first time. My team celebrated my authenticity with a party in my office. Even when the transgender ban was reinstated in 2019, I continued to serve under a policy exception. Serving as my true self didn’t just change my life—it made me a better officer. I didn’t have to waste energy hiding who I was, and that freed me to focus on my mission and my team.

Pushing transgender service members out of the military doesn’t just hurt us—it hurts the military itself. We bring unique perspectives, resilience, and dedication to the table. When we’re allowed to serve openly, we strengthen the very institution we’re proud to be part of.

The question isn’t about who we are—it’s about what we contribute. And that’s something worth fighting for.