Monica Helms
| Monica Helms | |
|---|---|
 Monica Helms at San Francisco Trans March in 2015 | |
| Born | Arizona, United States |
| Residence | Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation |
|
| Known for | |
| Notable work | Valhalla (1998) [1] |
Monica F. Helms is a transgender activist, author, and veteran of the United States Navy. She is the creator of the Transgender Pride Flag.
US Navy career
Helms served in the US Navy from 1970-1978, and was assigned to two submarines.[2] During her time in the Navy, Helms began cross-dressing while based in Charleston, South Carolina and says in an interview it was the "deepest, darkest secret in [her] entire life".[3] She was reassigned to the Bay Area in 1976, and said she "felt like [she] could be out in public as [herself]".[3]
Helms left the Navy in 1978, and joined her hometown's chapter of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. in 1980.[4] After transitioning, Helms reapplied in 1998 to the Phoenix chapter of the veteran's group with the name "Monica" and received considerable push-back, including being referred to a more generic veteran's group for women rather than the submarine specific group. Helms eventually prevailed after a few months, and claims to be the first woman to ever join the organization.[4]
Activism
Helms created the Transgender Pride Flag, which was first flown at a Pride Parade in Phoenix, Arizona.[5] Helms spoke at a ceremony honoring the addition of a collection of LGBT historical items, including her original Transgender Pride Flag, at the Smithsonian in 2014.[6]
Helms founded the Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA) in 2003, and remained president until 2013.[2] Helms continues to advocate for transgender service members and veterans, as the end of the prolific Don't Ask Don't Tell policy of the United States military did not change the status of transgender military personnel.
Helms is also a regular contributor to Transgender Tapestry.[1]
References
- 1 2 Sex and the Single Trannie by Helms in Tracie O'Keefe; Katrina Fox (18 July 2010). Trans People in Love. Routledge. pp. xii–xiii. ISBN 978-1-135-69568-2.
- 1 2 Saunders, Patrick (5 May 2016). "LGBT Military: Atlanta transgender members, veterans await end to ban". Georgia Voice. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
- 1 2 Saunders, Patrick (5 October 2009). "Monica Helms, transsexual Navy veteran". Creative Loafing. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
- 1 2 Daileda, Colin (29 Oct 2012). "For Transgendered Soldiers, Don't Ask Don't Tell Carries On". The Atlantic. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
- ↑ Sankin, Aaron (20 Nov 2012). "Transgender Flag Flies In San Francisco's Castro District After Outrage From Activists". Huffington Post. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
- ↑ Katz, Joeli (20 Aug 2014). "LGBT historical items celebrated at the Smithsonian". GLAAD. Retrieved 17 June 2016.