Leaving The Boots Behind: What's Next?
Every time transgender service members were attacked for being who we are, we did what we’ve always done:
We laced up our boots.
We went to work.
We accomplished the mission we’d be given by this nation.
When the 2017 tweets called us a burden and a disruption that could not be tolerated, we laced up our boots.
When the 2019 Supreme Court ruling allowed a ban, we laced up our boots.
When 2024 wrapped-up with a promise to end "transgender lunacy” on day one, we laced up our boots.
When 2025’s Executive Order labeled us dishonorable, undisciplined liars, we laced up our boots.
Now, under a policy that hat doesn’t just ban us but purges those still serving, we’ve been ordered to set our boots aside.
The boots were never just footwear. They were who we are.
They represented our service, our professionalism, our unwavering commitment. We wore them in devotion to country, to mission, and to the people who stood beside us. They stood for an oath we never broke, even as others broke faith with us.
I woke up today, looked at my boots, and knew: this is where they will stay.
Unlaced.
Not because we failed the mission, but because we are no longer allowed to simply be ourselves. The opportunity and privilege to wear these boots has been ordered away.
But because of all other aspects of who I am, because of who we are, I am far from done. None of us were trained to surrender. We were trained to seize the initiative and carry the day.
So, we’ll trade these boots for the shoes needed to walk a different battlefield.
The fight ahead is for a better tomorrow. For those still serving. For those who dream of serving. For a nation that lives up to its highest ideals. The mission continues. The work remains. And so do we.
Today begins the work of figuring out what those next steps are. So many of you have asked how you can help, and I am incredibly grateful, but I’ve only had generic answers until now.
If you want to be part of, support, or suggest ideas for what comes next, please consider adding your e-mail here and I will be in touch: https://forms.gle/KLygkZomTj8cb1L1A
We laced up our boots.
We went to work.
We accomplished the mission we’d be given by this nation.
When the 2017 tweets called us a burden and a disruption that could not be tolerated, we laced up our boots.
When the 2019 Supreme Court ruling allowed a ban, we laced up our boots.
When 2024 wrapped-up with a promise to end "transgender lunacy” on day one, we laced up our boots.
When 2025’s Executive Order labeled us dishonorable, undisciplined liars, we laced up our boots.
Now, under a policy that hat doesn’t just ban us but purges those still serving, we’ve been ordered to set our boots aside.
The boots were never just footwear. They were who we are.
They represented our service, our professionalism, our unwavering commitment. We wore them in devotion to country, to mission, and to the people who stood beside us. They stood for an oath we never broke, even as others broke faith with us.
I woke up today, looked at my boots, and knew: this is where they will stay.
Unlaced.
Not because we failed the mission, but because we are no longer allowed to simply be ourselves. The opportunity and privilege to wear these boots has been ordered away.
But because of all other aspects of who I am, because of who we are, I am far from done. None of us were trained to surrender. We were trained to seize the initiative and carry the day.
So, we’ll trade these boots for the shoes needed to walk a different battlefield.
The fight ahead is for a better tomorrow. For those still serving. For those who dream of serving. For a nation that lives up to its highest ideals. The mission continues. The work remains. And so do we.
Today begins the work of figuring out what those next steps are. So many of you have asked how you can help, and I am incredibly grateful, but I’ve only had generic answers until now.
If you want to be part of, support, or suggest ideas for what comes next, please consider adding your e-mail here and I will be in touch: https://forms.gle/KLygkZomTj8cb1L1A