Christopher T. Beck gave twenty years of his life in exemplary service to the United States. A decorated Navy Seal, Beck was deployed 13 times, receiving a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart in the process. Beck was a member of Seal Team 6, the military unit famous for carrying out the mission that killed Osama Bin Laden.?
By almost any standards, Chris Beck is a modern day American hero. With an unblemished and exemplary service record, Beck represents everything that most Americans cherish and honor. One must be incredibly tough to be a Navy Seal, and Chris Beck is obviously a strong, capable, and very brave human being. When Beck retired honorably from the military in 2011, it was the end of a meaningful chapter in an extraordinary life–but things were about to become even more astonishing.
?In June of 2013, Beck published a memoir called Warrior Princess: A U.S. Navy SEAL’s Journey to Coming out Transgender.?This remarkable book tells the story of a life spent hiding a deep, very personal secret: Chris Beck was a woman trapped in a man’s body.?
Beck, now known as Kristin Beck, is the first openly transgender former Navy Seal. She is living full time as a woman, telling CNN’s AC360, ?I fought for 20 years for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I want some happiness.? As an openly transgender woman, she is uniquely positioned to act as an advocate for equality on behalf of the transgender community–and that’s exactly what she’s doing.?
Since her book’s publication, Kristin has engaged in numerous media appearances, gaining a high profile and significant visibility for herself on the national stage (if only by default). She has chosen to leverage this opportunity, in part, by becoming a spokesperson for a transgender-inclusive Employer Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). She states that she wants to go to Washington so she can ?talk to the senators and validate further reasons why [transgender persons] are equal yet are not treated that way.?
Kristin Beck’s story is surprising and remarkable for any number of reasons.? She demonstrated immense courage and loyalty to her country through her outstanding military service.? Today, she continues to be a model of courage and dedication through her coming out, her transition from male to female, and her work on behalf of transgender equality.? She provides hope for many by serving as living proof that transpersons are smart, strong, capable, contributing citizens with much to offer the world.
Over the centuries, heroes have come in all shapes, sizes, colors, sexes and genders. Kristin Beck is an unlikely hero, to be sure, but she is one nonetheless. Her unique journey is an inspiration to all who understand that heroes are people who confront their fears and choose to act anyway. Kristin Beck, decorated American hero, is facing her fears and is acting to overcome them every day, just like millions of other transgender people. For that, we can all be grateful.
Edited and published by CB
