Please join us for Transpositive on KBOO Community Radio on Tuesday, February 18th at 6pm as we talk with Bree Fram, Mael Sheridan, Ryan Goodell and Ashe Austin about the new book, "With Valor and Visibility: The Next Chapter of Transgender Military Service."
With Valor and Visibility: The Next Chapter of Transgender Military Service arrives at a critical juncture in U.S. history, delivering a powerful collection of deeply personal stories from forty-seven transgender service members and veterans. This compelling follow-up to With Honor and Integrity: Transgender Troops in their Own Words
(2021) captures the courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication of individuals serving under the shadow of uncertainty.
Set against the backdrop of Donald Trump’s re-election and the almost certain reinstatement of the "Trump Ban" on transgender military service, these narratives—gathered in the fall of 2024—offer an unfiltered perspective on the unique challenges faced by transgender Americans in uniform. From inspiring tales of triumph to heartrending accounts of struggle, each story sheds light on a community navigating service at a time when their very existence in the military—and public life—faces intense scrutiny.
“I've been shot at, rocketed, mortared, and dodged a missile or two in my day. But I never had to worry about the consequences of just being me. They do. And doing that takes a lot of courage. I respect the hell out of that,” said Steve Leonard, former senior military strategist and author of To Boldly Go: Leadership, Strategy, and Conflict in the 21st Century and Beyond. “With Valor and Visibility is a story about courage. The courage to proudly stand up as your authentic self, to
weather the storms that follow, and to share your journey on a public stage.”
Amidst a national conversation fraught with divisive rhetoric, With Valor and Visibility challenges stereotypes and exposes the reality of transgender military service with urgency and hope. Each contributor’s choice to share their truth highlights the power of authenticity in the face of fear, offering a poignant reminder of the humanity behind the uniform.
At a time when our world is on fire there are many topics we can and should be covering. We will get to as much as we can with our limited resources as a community-produced radio show. We would encourage you to read Erin In the Morning hosted by transgender journalist Erin Reed for the most up-to-date information on what is happening in this ever-changing landscape of transgender news and if you are looking for resources for support we would encourage you to start with the Transgender Legal survival guide which can be found in the show notes.
Transpositive is a biweekly program in Portland exploring themes important to those who identify as Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, and Gender Non-Conforming. Transpositive tries to connect listeners with the ongoing activism, arts, culture, and dialogue happening in Portland and beyond. Make your voice heard! Transpositive PDX is open to new and experienced programmers, guests, and events you want our community to know about. We are an open collective. Anyone who identifies as trans, gender non-binary, or gender fluid is welcome to be part of our collective after completing some basic free radio training.
For questions about the book contact Bree Fram at fram0015@gmail.com
For more information about the show contact Emma at transpositivepdx@gmail.com
Transpositive PDX on KBOO 90.7FM or online at KBOO.FM
like us on Facebook: facebook.com/transpositivepdx
Trans Military Voices: https://www.transmilitaryvoices.com
Erin in the Morning: https://www.erininthemorning.com/
Transgender Legal Survival Guide: https://transequality.org/news/introducing-trans-survival-guide
- KBOO