Anshel (he/him)
United States Army and Colorado Army National Guard
Sergeant (E-5)
15 years of service

In the Regular Army (1982 - 1986), I served as a Television Broadcast Equipment Specialist (MOS 26T/25R). In the National Guard, I served in the 104th Public Affairs Detachment, as an Electronic Journalist (MOS 46R). I served overseas at Southern Command, Armed Forces Radio and Television, Fort Clayton, Republic of Panama. Upon my medical retirement from the military, I now serve as an Advocate for the LGBTQI+ community. I am committed to the life-long full recognition of equal rights of LGBTQI+.

Sally (she/her)
United States Navy
Mess Management Specialist Third Class (E-4)
7 years of service

I struggled with my sexuality and gender identity during my 7 years of service in the United States Navy - between 1980 and 1987. I received Meritorious Conduct award and a Sea Service award. I was deployed to the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific on board the USS Roanoke. I also served as a bachelor officers' quarters attendant at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, near Jacksonville, Florida. Today, I am part of the Veterans Administration's Compensated Work Therapy program at the VA Menlo Park. I have completed VA programs for homeless Veterans and Veterans who struggle with substance use disorder. I am grateful to my nation for the opportunity to serve and I am grateful for the assistance they are giving me now. At 60 years old, I have a new lease on life.

Christina (she/her)
United States Army
Lieutenant Colonel
31 years of service

LTC (ret) Christina A. joined the Army in 1993 as an Avenger crewmember. Her first assignment was 3/4 ADA, 82nd Airborne Division. She completed her active duty obligation in 5/5 ADA, 2nd Infantry Division, Republic of Korea in 1996 and joined the North Carolina Army National Guard (NCARNG). She graduated from Officer Candidate School and commissioned as a 2LT Military Police Officer in 2001 and then entered the Active Guard and Reserve program in 2005. She served in positions of greater responsibility culminating as the Deputy G1 for the NCARNG. She deployed to Kuwait 2006 and again to Iraq in 2010. She retired after 31 years of service in September 2024. She is married and has a blended family with 6 children. In 2024 she graduated with her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University.

Alleria (she/her)
United States Army
Staff Sergeant (E-6)
20 years of service

Alleria is a 20-year retired United States Army service member, advocate, member of the LGBTQ+ community, and motivational speaker. As a proud mother of five, she has faced many challenges. During her military service, she had to relocate with and without her family many times. A combat Veteran in Afghanistan, she also has taken the role of caregiver and widow, as her wife fought an ultimately losing battle with aggressive breast cancer. As she transitions between various stages in her life, she recognizes how much the LGBTQ+ community has to offer the world in their transitions. Fundamentally, she believes that the world is more alike than different and how that is critically important to understanding one another. Alleria looks forward to the days when society will achieve equity, equality, and access for all. Until then, she is continuously committed to ensuring that all challenges can be achieved together, one step and one day at a time.

Brittney (she/her)
United States Marine Corps
Master Sergeant (E-8)
24 years of service

I proudly served the Marine Corps from 1994-2018 as an Aviation Electronics Technician as my primary MOS for the first 20 years and then as an Avionics Chief for the last 4. My primary duties included troubleshooting, fault isolating, and repairing all electrical equipment, including wiring on UH-1N and AH-1W helicopters. I also served as a Quality Assurance Representative, Maintenance Control Chief, Ground Safety Officer, Classified Communication Custodian, Combat Marksmanship trainer, and coach during my service. Other billets I served in were Acting Maintenance Chief and Acting Squadron Sergeant Major. Since Retiring, I came out as a transwoman and have earned an Associate of Arts in Business Management, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and a Master of Social Work. Other endeavors I am involved in include advocating for the LGBTQ+ community; I have presented on equity for Transgender Veterans with Veteran Affairs primary care providers and recently completed a video shoot on my struggle and triumphs with mental health as a transgender Veteran for Veterans Affairs.

Ambrose (he/him)
United States Marine Corps
Sergeant (E-5)
9 years, 4 months of service

I was active-duty Marine Corps from Feb 2003-June 2012. I was trained as an 0121 Administration clerk with an additional MOS of 0151. During my time in the Corps, I was stationed at Camp Pendleton where I deployed to Iraq from August 2006 to March 2007 with 3rd LAAD Bravo Company. After coming home, the Corps sent me I&I 1/25 Bravo Company in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Afterwards, I was sent to the largest schoolhouse in the Marine Corps, Ft Leonard Wood, MO. This would be my last duty station where I would be medically retired and separated. I went back home to California and obtained my degree in Anthropology with a minor in History in 2016. Currently I work for Caltrans as an Environmental Planner Archaeologist.