I've tried to stick to technical subjects on this blog, keeping sensitive subjects like politics and my personal life out of it. But, this time, I have to make an exception, because these are exceptional circumstances.
In 2011, as someone uncertain what to do about my desire to dress as a woman, I joined the Crossdressers.com forums. These forums bring crossdressers from around the world together to discuss their situations. Some of them go on to become trans women. I was one of those. Another was a woman I first knew as "Bree Wagner."
Bree--whose last name is actually "Fram"--encouraged me to start coming to a support group at the Gender Identity Center of Colorado, and, in March 2013, I finally did, bringing my Amy-self to the outside world and meeting others that were like us. Bree and I attended other events together, both at the GIC and at a local LGBT-friendly jazz club, the Black Crown Lounge.
Photograph of Bree and the author, August 2015.
That nudge from Bree was a key element of my growth as a woman. I eventually became the facilitator for that support group, and later, served on the Board of Trustees for the GIC. In addition, I made social contacts there that led to my becoming involved with a charity drag organization, and I have two crowns to show for it. Other paths that stemmed from there led to almost every extraordinary experience I have had as Amy, especially since I legally transitioned in 2017.
Bree herself came out publicly as transgender in June 2016 (and, in fact, when I had my own public coming-out, I based my announcement on the style of hers). For her, this posed certain unique challenges, since she was part of the United States military. When I first met her, she was a Major in the Air Force, having begun her military service soon after 9/11. Despite her transition, she had become a well-respected leader, transferring to the new Space Force when it was established, and ultimately rising to the rank of Colonel in January 2024--one of the highest-ranking transgender officers in the U.S. Armed Forces. Even though I saw her infrequently, we kept in touch on social media, where I would refer to her as "Space Colonel Bree, ma'am!" enthusiastically. In my mind, she was and is one of the best of us.
You can probably guess what happened next...but I'll let Bree tell you:
Eight days into his second term, Donald Trump ended my military service—and the service of thousands of other trans servicemembers. Not because of our performance. Because of who we are.
The Orange Felon has long had a grudge against trans people. Whether this is a personal thing or something he came to believe as a result of the influence of his Project 2025 bedfellows, it exists, and we, unfortunately, have to deal with it. And so, at his direction, "Plastered" Pete Hegseth, Trump's handpicked Secretary of Defense WAR!!!, issued a directive forcing Bree and thousands of trans servicemembers like her out of their hard-won positions.
Bree's involuntary retirement became effective this year. And here's what she did in response:
But my oath has no expiration date.
My family has served this country for generations—my grandparents were immigrants and refugees who fought to become Americans, then volunteered to go back overseas in World War II to defend the freedoms they'd found here. Service is in my bones.
I refuse to let Donald Trump decide when that service ends.
If this administration wants to push people like me out of public life, I'm going to push back—if not in uniform, then on the ballot. [emphasis hers]
Bree Fram for Congress campaign logo, from her Facebook page.
So Bree is now running for Congress, from the State of Virginia. And, I may not be able to vote for her, but I can surely advocate for her.
She's going to have a tough time even if she does get elected. One need only look at the experiences of transgender Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Delaware) to see that. McBride has been repeatedly misgendered by her colleagues, and denied access to the women's restrooms there due to the machinations of Nancy Mace, self-appointed Official Congressional Bathroom Panty Inspector.
Nancy Mace meme courtesy Jeff Tiedrich.
No doubt Bree would face similar flak from the MAGA Fascists in Congress, as well as from the Orange Felon himself, and his entire Confederacy of Sewer Clowns. But she's proven many times over that she can deal with it.
I wish I could replace the Space Force uniform she was forced to give up with one of these:
From Babylon 5 episode 3x11 "Ceremonies of Light and Dark."
Bree is a leading member of our Army of Light, going out to take the fight to our own version of President Clark and the Shadows that guide him. (And, as a Babylon 5 fan herself, Bree would likely agree with this statement!) To her, I say, "Entil'zha veni, in Valen's name!"
If you're a Virginia voter, back this brave woman to the limit. And let's all be Americans again!
This message was written as a personal testimonial, not solicited, authorized, or paid for by Team Bree or any other candidate or political committee.
Bree Fram was a Colonel in the U.S. Space Force. Use of her military rank, job titles and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Air Force or Department of Defense.
Bree's campaign Web site may be found at TeamBree.com.