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Purged Trans Space Force Colonel Vows to Keep Fighting for Democracy Out of Uniform
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Colonel Bree Fram, a transgender officer with 23 years of service in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, has been forced into retirement as a result of the 2025 ban on transgender military service. Fram, who has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the armed forces, says she will continue her fight for democracy and equality even as she leaves uniformed service behind .
Fram’s career included developing requirements for future space capabilities and bringing life-saving technologies from research labs to operational use. She served as president of SPARTA, a non-profit transgender military advocacy and support organization, and was a Congressional Defense Fellow. Fram also led the Air Force LGBTQ+ Initiatives Team and was a member of the State Department’s Speaker Program .
The ban, reinstated by President Trump in January 2025, has led to the removal of more than 1,000 transgender service members from duty, with thousands more facing the same fate. Fram was placed on administrative leave and officially left active duty on June 6, 2025, as part of the process to comply with the new policy .
Fram has spoken out about the impact of the ban, describing the toll on transgender service members as “devastating.” She expressed heartbreak for the thousands of servicemembers who have served with honor and distinction but are now being forced out, as well as for those who may have considered joining but are deterred by the current climate .
In a recent interview, Fram emphasized the collective loss to military readiness and the ripple effects on units that have lost senior leaders and technical specialists. She noted that the ban not only affects those directly impacted but also undermines the morale and cohesion of the entire military community .
Despite the challenges, Fram remains committed to advocating for democracy and equality. She has stated that her service may be ending, but her fight for justice and inclusion will continue. Fram’s story highlights the resilience of transgender people in the face of adversity and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States .
Fram’s experience is part of a broader pattern of discrimination against transgender people in the military, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of the contributions and dedication of LGBTQ+ service members. As Fram transitions out of uniform, her voice will remain a vital part of the conversation on civil rights and military policy .