SPARTA

SPARTA is a group of transgender people who currently serve or have served in the military.  Membership is open to transgender (to include non-binary and gender-nonconforming) individuals presently serving in the United States Armed Forces.  We also offer smaller groups for families of transgender service members, veterans, and allies.

SPARTA led the effort, which saw the ban on transgender service from the previous administration reversed in January 2021.  Since then, SPARTA continues to work to have open transgender service codified into law; currently, transgender servicemembers serve at the whim of a policy memo and the next election.  Our members speak at diversity events, pride events, and educational forums, have talked to Congressmembers, been guests at the State of the Union, and testified before the House Armed Services Committee.  We continually work to ensure the stories of our exemplary trans service members are brought to light.

SPARTA’s mission is to advocate for our actively serving transgender military members, veterans, and their families.  SPARTA provides our members with a peer support network, assistance navigating military transgender policy and health care, and educational resources for their professional development.  SPARTA actively coordinates and collaborates with other LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations to promote an inclusive military environment that values the contributions of all Americans with the desire to serve.

Through its networks of branch-specific collaboration, SPARTA guides Servicemembers through the processes to transition while they continue to serve their missions in the military.  These peer leaders are there when a member needs help and even when they need someone with whom to talk.  SPARTA provides emergency grants, as required, and financial assistance to members who need assistance with transition-related legal fees, such as for a name change.

SPARTA members recently visited the offices of nearly thirty Congressional leaders in the House of Representatives and the Senate.  These members presented vibrant examples of actively serving transgender members of the United States military.  Voicing their concerns over future administrative limbo, they encouraged their representatives to support legislation to codify existing Department of Defense equality and diversity personnel policies.