The U.S. Supreme Court building is seen in Washington on Dec. 13, 2023. On Dec. 4, 2024, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case U.S. v. Skrmetti, which will examine blanket bans of gender care to minors, families’ ability to work with transgender kids and health care professionals to make decisions, and individual liberties afforded to the transgender community. (Stars and Stripes)
During National Military Family Appreciation Month and post-election, I am reflecting upon my time as a U.S. Navy Intelligence officer, time spent in the Middle East, and the core values of military service: duty, honor and respect. These values extend across every branch of the armed forces and well beyond the military, in fact, they are central to the fabric of our nation.
Just before my 1994 deployment, I discovered there was a word for what I had known my whole life — transgender — and realized that there were others who felt like me. It took me until 2013 to fully accept myself and begin living my life authentically, and I did so because of personal integrity, while leaning on the values of duty, honor and respect — not just to myself, but to my fellow Americans.
As a nation, we stand at a moment where these values, as well as individual liberties and critical non-discrimination protections, are in jeopardy. On Dec. 4, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case U.S. v. Skrmetti, which will examine blanket bans of medical care to minors, families’ ability to work with their kids and health care professionals to make decisions, and individual liberties afforded to the transgender community. At such a time, we are reminded of the unofficial motto of the U.S. Navy — “not for self, but country.” This motto should serve as an anchor for Americans and the high court as they consider questions related to health care, the well-being of children, and the role of government in these situations. The decision made by the Supreme Court will not just have an impact on the individual, but also on the country at large.
As a veteran, I know that people of good faith can disagree, but respect should always be shown to an individual. No one, including gay and transgender Americans, should face discrimination at work, in public, or when it comes to accessing health care. Most people can agree we look to the trusted guidance of well-trained and experienced health care professionals when making important decisions.
I have and continue to fight to defend America and all its freedoms. I find myself fighting for American values, including individual liberties, limited government, and non-discrimination protections for all, not just those of the LGBTQ+ community. These key American values extend to everyone, not only those who agree with me politically or belong to certain demographic groups.
I am not alone in fighting for the basic liberties and freedom that most Americans take for granted. My fellow veteran, Eric Childs, fought for our country and also for the rights of his transgender child. Before Eric tragically passed away in a car accident, he dedicated his life to service to others and protecting freedom for all, including advocating against legislation in his home state of South Carolina that would restrict medical care for his child. I, like many others who knew Eric, am inspired to continue his passionate service to the country and to protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Conservatives, much like Eric was, from across the nation are coming together to oppose bans on health care for transgender youth. This culminated in 31 conservative and Republican elected officials signing an amicus brief urging the court to oppose such bans, protect families’ access to health care and preserve the Bostock v. Clayton County ruling, which safeguards the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination in employment.
We are at the precipice of change when it comes to true liberty, justice, equality and freedom for all. Americans — veterans or not — should take note and work to defend duty, honor and respect. We are so blessed to live in the greatest country in the world. The United States is the envy of countless others and the shining city on the hill in so many ways, but particularly when it comes to independence and living life free from oppression. In fact, that is exactly the reason for the founding of our country.
We must come together in an act of selfless service, much like we did when we answered the call of military service, and fight for individual liberties. We should strive to follow the golden rule and treat others as we would like to be treated. Respect and honor are intertwined not only when it comes to military service, but also when it comes to daily life. Every American is entitled to live their life free from discrimination and government intervention regardless of who they are.
I urge my fellow Americans and veterans to continue their patriotic duty not just today, but every day — our lives depend on it.
Alaina Kupec is the founder and president of the Gender Research Advisory Council + Education, a nonprofit organization.
