2nd Lieutenant Jo Barnhartt, US Marine Corps

“The biggest hurdles I encounter are ignorance and a lack of familiarity,” said Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant Jo Barnhart. “Many people have preconceived notions about our community that are inaccurate, harmful, or both. People can be scared of what they don’t understand.”

Lt. Barnhart and his generation represent a new wave of change, courage, and understanding. Serving openly and authentically, they are breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes.

In his words:
“I’ve had earnest conversations where people told me that before meeting me, they were for the ban on transgender troops. They tell me they didn’t know anyone who was transgender before, and it felt like a big hassle and easier for the military not to be a part of. Unfortunately, I think that’s a widespread phenomenon. Now that they have a name and a face to a transgender service member, they feel and think a lot differently.”  

A graduate of the prestigious Naval Academy in 2023, Jo excelled as a member of the boxing team before commissioning into the Marine Corps. He has already served as a platoon commander at the School of Infantry and is currently stationed at Quantico, awaiting flight school.
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Lt. Barnhart is not just serving his country—he’s redefining what service means, inspiring change, and proving that authenticity is strength.
You can read more of Jo's story in 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘳 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦

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