With Valor and Visibility
With Valor and Visibility is a timely anthology that powerfully underscores what many of us who have had the honor of serving alongside transgender, nonbinary and gender-expansive service members already know: they enhance our military's lethality and effectiveness and deserve to be honored.
This is a lesson that should resonate deeply, given the military’s history of successfully integrating diverse groups—from people of color to women, and later, gay and lesbian service members. And yet, the same tired and unfounded arguments about unit cohesion, readiness, and even bathroom access persist, despite overwhelming evidence that transgender and nonbinary servicemembers strengthen our national security, not weaken it.
What makes this collection especially compelling is its ability to move beyond abstract policy discussions. Through vivid personal narratives, With Valor and Visibility reminds us that "transgender servicemembers" are not merely a concept or collective — they are individuals with unique experiences, talents, and contributions.
These stories provide a humanizing lens, offering readers a deeper understanding of the triumphs and challenges faced by these remarkable people.. The stories in With Valor and Visibility makes it clear that these service members deserve to be recognized as more than pawns in political debates — they are patriots, leaders, and defenders of our nation. They also remind us that their contributions to the military have come despite the many incomprehensible barriers placed in their way by peers, leaders, and elected officials. It was disheartening to read so many accounts of servicemembers who, while preparing to defend against external threats to national security, consistently face senseless attacks from those within their own unit. Imagine how much more we could accomplish if we all focused on removing barriers instead of creating obstacles and hateful rhetoric.
With Valor and Visibility is a timely anthology that powerfully underscores what many of us who have had the honor of serving alongside transgender, nonbinary and gender-expansive service members already know: they enhance our military's lethality and effectiveness and deserve to be honored.
This is a lesson that should resonate deeply, given the military’s history of successfully integrating diverse groups—from people of color to women, and later, gay and lesbian service members. And yet, the same tired and unfounded arguments about unit cohesion, readiness, and even bathroom access persist, despite overwhelming evidence that transgender and nonbinary servicemembers strengthen our national security, not weaken it.
What makes this collection especially compelling is its ability to move beyond abstract policy discussions. Through vivid personal narratives, With Valor and Visibility reminds us that "transgender servicemembers" are not merely a concept or collective — they are individuals with unique experiences, talents, and contributions.
These stories provide a humanizing lens, offering readers a deeper understanding of the triumphs and challenges faced by these remarkable people.. The stories in With Valor and Visibility makes it clear that these service members deserve to be recognized as more than pawns in political debates — they are patriots, leaders, and defenders of our nation. They also remind us that their contributions to the military have come despite the many incomprehensible barriers placed in their way by peers, leaders, and elected officials. It was disheartening to read so many accounts of servicemembers who, while preparing to defend against external threats to national security, consistently face senseless attacks from those within their own unit. Imagine how much more we could accomplish if we all focused on removing barriers instead of creating obstacles and hateful rhetoric.
Nevertheless, there is still hope. As a member of the Air Force and also a board member for a non-profit organization that supports and empowers LGBTQIA2+ young people, I am particularly inspired by the potential impact of this book on the next generation. I hope it will serve as a beacon for young people who may never have imagined the military as a place for them, showing them that they, too, can contribute immense value to our national security and find a sense of purpose and belonging within the armed forces.
But With Valor and Visibility is more than just an inspiring collection of stories – it’s a call to action. In reading this anthology, I was struck by the courage of the contributors and the enduring need for advocacy and allyship. For those of us who serve or have served, and for anyone committed to fairness and equality, this anthology is a critical reminder of what it means to honor the values we fight to protect. In the words of Bayard Rustin, a prominent leader of gay and civil rights movement, “People will never fight for your freedom if you have not given evidence that you are prepared to fight for it yourself.” This collection is evidence that these courageous servicemembers are not only prepared to fight for their own freedom, but that they have already swore to fight for the freedom of all Americans – even those who disparage their very existence.
This book should inspire its cisgender audience to become better allies and to advocate against policies that dehumanize our colleagues and weaken our defense. To quote, Martin Luther King, Jr., “a time comes when silence is betrayal.” In With Valor and Visibility, our transgender teammates have courageously shared their stories and spoken. Now it’s time for those of us allies who have benefited from their tireless work and sacrifice to advocate against hateful rhetoric and discrimination so that our teammates may continue to serve authentically.
Dom Angiollo
Director of Culture & Climate and Assistant Professor of Law
United States Air Force Academy, Dean of Faculty
*The views expressed above are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components
But With Valor and Visibility is more than just an inspiring collection of stories – it’s a call to action. In reading this anthology, I was struck by the courage of the contributors and the enduring need for advocacy and allyship. For those of us who serve or have served, and for anyone committed to fairness and equality, this anthology is a critical reminder of what it means to honor the values we fight to protect. In the words of Bayard Rustin, a prominent leader of gay and civil rights movement, “People will never fight for your freedom if you have not given evidence that you are prepared to fight for it yourself.” This collection is evidence that these courageous servicemembers are not only prepared to fight for their own freedom, but that they have already swore to fight for the freedom of all Americans – even those who disparage their very existence.
This book should inspire its cisgender audience to become better allies and to advocate against policies that dehumanize our colleagues and weaken our defense. To quote, Martin Luther King, Jr., “a time comes when silence is betrayal.” In With Valor and Visibility, our transgender teammates have courageously shared their stories and spoken. Now it’s time for those of us allies who have benefited from their tireless work and sacrifice to advocate against hateful rhetoric and discrimination so that our teammates may continue to serve authentically.
Dom Angiollo
Director of Culture & Climate and Assistant Professor of Law
United States Air Force Academy, Dean of Faculty
*The views expressed above are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components