On this episode, Caroline, Kristin, and Lusi meet Kaz Phillips, a 22-year-old trans woman currently serving in the U.S. Army as a human intelligence professional. As the military once again attempts to roll back protections for transgender service members, Kaz faces an involuntary discharge under a policy that forces trans personnel to separate or risk losing their benefits. With courage and clarity, she walks us through what it means to serve your country while being forced to hide who you are, and what it feels like when that service is deemed expendable by the very institutions you swore to protect.
Kaz opens up about her journey of self-discovery, from growing up in a large musical family in Cincinnati to navigating gender and marriage, military intelligence training, and the complexities of transition in uniform. She shares the tensions between duty and identity, patriotism and pain, and how her lived experiences have reshaped her purpose.
Through this intimate and powerful conversation, we explore not just the challenges Kaz has faced but the heart behind her advocacy. From TikTok activism to confronting transphobia within and beyond the military, Kaz speaks to the urgency of visibility, the need for diverse trans voices, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up.
“Kaz Phillips (she/her) is a daughter, sister, wife, and proud trans woman who loves her life. She currently serves as a Human Intelligence professional in the U.S. Army, where she gathers and analyzes critical information to support national security efforts. A graduate of the Defense Language Institute in French, Kaz has also trained fellow HUMINT professionals and led volunteer initiatives across the country.
Outside of her military service, Kaz advocates for trans rights, especially for those serving in uniform, and creates content to educate and uplift others navigating similar journeys. Raised in a Christian family split between rigid and more accepting views, Kaz’s path to transition was shaped by faith, reflection, and resilience. She began her transition at age 21 and continues to speak out about the realities trans people face in the military today. When she’s off duty, she can be found crocheting or dancing to just about every song she hears.”
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“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser
The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters
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