In a historic move for transgender military service members, SPARTA, a nonprofit advocacy organization, has appointed Cmdr. Emily Shilling of the U.S. Navy as its new president and board chair. With an impressive 18-year career in the Navy, Shilling’s nomination represents a significant milestone for the LGBT community within the armed forces.
Having served since 2005, Shilling brings a wealth of experience, including over 60 combat missions, and currently serves as an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer overseeing acquisitions. Shilling’s journey took a challenging turn when she came out as transgender in 2019, amidst the Trump-era executive order restricting transgender individuals from openly serving. Despite the obstacles, Shilling bravely decided to come out to the Navy in 2020, even at the risk of losing her pension.
As the new president of SPARTA, Shilling aims to foster relationships with non-trans military members, expand the organization’s allies, and ensure representation in policy-making processes. She will continue pushing for trans-inclusive service and dismantling misconceptions about the qualifications of transgender individuals in the military.
Cmdr. Emily Shilling’s appointment represents a significant step forward in the fight for equality and acceptance within the military. Her leadership and advocacy will play a pivotal role in creating a more inclusive environment where all service members can serve their country authentically and without fear of discrimination.