Army Major Alivia Stehlik, a transgender woman and physical therapist, was nervous about coming out in 2017, but has been pleasantly surprised by the acceptance she’s received from colleagues and patients. President Trump recently signed an executive order banning transgender people from openly serving in the military, citing concerns about medical and mental health care for gender dysphoria. This order has raised uncertainty about the future of thousands of trans service members like Stehlik. Despite the ban, many trans service members, including Lt. Nicolas Talbott, are planning to continue their service and fight against the order through legal action.
Leaders like Navy Cmdr. Emily Shilling, the highest-ranking out trans person in the Navy, have faced similar challenges with previous bans. Shilling, who came out in 2019 and thrived after Biden’s executive order in 2021, is actively advocating for trans service members’ rights. She is the president of Sparta, an advocacy organization for trans military members, and aims to have meaningful discussions with officials to demonstrate the positive impact of allowing trans individuals to serve openly. Despite recent executive orders targeting trans rights issued by Trump, individuals like Shilling remain committed to fighting for equality and inclusion in the military, emphasizing the minimal impact of transgender service on unit cohesion and morale.
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