Document Type
Essay
Publication Date
Spring 2026
Abstract
In this thorough analysis of the U.S. military’s ban on transgender personnel, Spencer Hillier describes the great sense of pride he felt when he initially joined the Army National Guard, as well as his subsequent emotional struggle, not to mention loss of GI benefits, health and dental insurance, and retirement benefits due to the 2017 ban on transgender service members. Hillier takes a careful look at the arguments against transgender personnel, developing thoughtful, logical explanations of why they lack validity. He argues that what matters is not a person’s identity, but whether one can fulfill the seven Army values—loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.
Rights
Copyright is owned by the creator of this work.
Recommended Citation
Hillier, Spencer, "Ready to Serve" (2026). The Diana McDonald Writer's Challenge. 19.
https://spark.parkland.edu/mcdonald_award/19
