Transgender Troops Steady Themselves as Military Ban Decision Looms: “I’m Just Trying to Excel”

Twelve years ago, Army 1st Lt. Alivia Stehlik ensured the smooth execution of President Obama’s second inauguration. She dedicated weeks to coordinating the Army’s role in the parade, expertly training troops and guiding high-ranking officers in ceremonial marching protocols.

With a commanding height of six-foot-two, West Point credentials, and a distinguished Ranger tab, Stehlik embodied the ideal military instructor. Serving as a ceremonies officer in the Army’s Old Guard, she specialized in military ceremonies, a role critical given the Guard’s responsibilities at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Arlington National Cemetery. However, her training sessions revealed a void—there were no women in the Army’s honor guard at that time, a fact reflected in a conversation with a female admiral.

Stehlik responded to the admiral’s question regarding the absence of women in the honor guard with, “Ma’am, that’s way above my paygrade.” Years later, after the military began allowing transgender individuals to serve openly, Stehlik transitioned, prompting continued scrutiny regarding policies governing service members like her.

As a major today, she awaits judgment from higher authorities about military service rights for transgender individuals. During President Trump’s initial term, he enacted a ban on transgender military personnel. Although service members like Stehlik, who had already transitioned, were retained, the future remained uncertain under potential renewed bans.

Recent developments have amplified concerns. Trump’s inaugural address reaffirmed his administration’s stance on gender, stating, “only two genders: male and female.” This was followed by the repeal of an order by President Biden that had permitted transgender individuals to serve openly. Stehlik, stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, along with numerous other military personnel, braces for yet another possible ban.

Despite the looming uncertainty, Stehlik focuses on her responsibilities as an Army physical therapist, striving for excellence rather than speculation. The standards from her Old Guard tenure continue to inform her work ethic, which she describes as drill-perfect—every detail attended to, with no room for error.

Transitioning in 2017, Stehlik worried about being in the spotlight, being “the only six-foot-two chick with a Ranger tab.” Now, she enjoys camaraderie with fellow female Rangers and proudly serves the 101st Airborne Division. She finds joy in a balanced life that includes riding motorcycles, playing music, and living with her partner and a playful dog named Mozzie.

In 2022, she sought deployment as a physical therapist in the Middle East, requiring a medical waiver due to her status as a transgender soldier. With clarity about bureaucratic protocols, she reached out to the U.S. Central Command’s surgeon directly for guidance.

Stehlik’s record as a soldier is commendable. Challenges persist, mainly regarding policies about transgender service personnel. Current estimates suggest around 15,000 transgender individuals serve in the military. The Modern Military Association of America indicates that a ban would severely affect operational readiness by dismissing highly trained personnel.

Historically, transgender troops faced bans starting in the 1960s, but significant reforms began after the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” The Obama administration officially lifted the ban on transgender service members in 2016, yet the tide shifted again in 2017 with Trump’s reinstatement of the prohibition.

Stehlik’s journey to the military was deeply rooted in family tradition. Inspired by her father, a West Point graduate, she pursued a similar path, eventually entering West Point in 2004. Throughout her military journey, she attributed her fulfillment to the sense of belonging found in soldiering. Even during the rigorous demands of the academy, she embraced the challenges placed before her.

Having transitioned at Fort Carson, Colorado, Stehlik confronted rising anti-trans rhetoric nationwide. While she initially missed the significance of Trump’s ban announcement, the defense community quickly adapted to the policy changes that followed. Throughout these transitions, she emphasized the importance of focusing on her duties rather than engaging in political battles.

As of recent years, legislative movements against LGBTQ rights have surged, raising concerns among military personnel and their supporters. Stehlik recalls a moment during Trump’s first ban when a patient expressed support without concern for her identity, demonstrating the bond that formed between troops and their therapist.

Despite the legislative upheaval and shifting political landscapes, Stehlik remains committed to her work and the soldiers she serves. She challenges stigmas while fostering understanding within the military community. “I’m unapologetically who I am,” she affirms, highlighting her dedication to authenticity and the impact it has on her peers.

As the political arena evolves, Stehlik continues to advocate for dignity and respect among all service members, regardless of their identity. With uncertainty on the rise regarding future military policies, she focuses on contributing positively to her unit and the missions it undertakes.

As Inauguration Day came and went this year, Stehlik found solace in her routine. While her heart remains in the Army, she cherishes a sense of normalcy in her life outside of politics. Whenever she visits West Point, she reflects on her journey and plays the grand piano in Eisenhower Hall, where her memories of military life and heritage have shaped who she is today.