Biography:
Caroline Paige is a trailblazing figure in the United Kingdom’s armed forces and an advocate for transgender equality. Born in 1959, she served as the first openly transgender officer in the UK Armed Forces. Before transitioning in 1999, she had an illustrious military career, which included serving in the cold war intercepting Soviet bomber planes, as well as participating in the Gulf War and Bosnia Conflict. Paige further showcased her skills and determination by switching to Battlefield Helicopters in 1992 and flying several operational tours post-transition.
Paige’s journey in the military began in 1980 when she joined the Royal Air Force (RAF). After completing Navigator Training at RAF Finningley, she was stationed at RAF Leuchars, where she operated Phantom F4s in the Air Defence role. Despite her success and dedication, Paige struggled with her gender identity throughout her life.
In 1998, Paige made the decision to confront her battle with gender identity and approached the RAF to discuss her transition. Courageously, she was accepted as a female officer, making her the first openly transgender person in the UK Armed Forces. Unfortunately, her journey also faced challenges, and she endured public scrutiny when she was outed on the front page of The Sun newspaper in August 2000. Despite such adversity, Paige remained steadfast in her commitment to make the military more inclusive for transgender individuals.
Throughout her career, Paige was recognized for her outstanding service. She served for thirty-five years in the RAF, flying for thirty-four of them and completing seventeen operational tours. Her dedication and expertise were acknowledged with two Commander Joint Helicopter Command Commendations for Exceptional Service. In addition, she received a third commendation from the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Air Force in the Queen’s New Year Honours List of 2012.
Transitioning gender within the military was a landmark moment for Paige. Facing criticism and resistance, she persevered and became a vocal advocate for transgender equality and inclusion in the UK Armed Forces. In 2000, Paige began her role as an Equality and Diversity Adviser for the military, training as a Mentor, and joining the RAF LGBT Forum and Proud2Serve support groups. She also imparted her knowledge and experiences as a keynote speaker at various military conferences and training events across the UK.
Paige’s dedication to promoting transgender equality extended beyond the UK. In 2014, she advised the Palm Center at San Francisco State University on a national commission offering implementation guidance for the inclusion of openly serving transgender personnel in the US military. Her contributions earned her the highly prestigious Permanent-Under-Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Peoples Award in 2011.
Caroline Paige’s remarkable journey as the first openly transgender officer in the UK Armed Forces showcases her bravery, resilience, and commitment to equality. Her impact on society, the military, and the LGBTQ+ community is immeasurable, as she defied stereotypes and paved the way for future generations. Paige’s story serves as a testament to the power of acceptance, understanding, and the ongoing fight for equality.
Awards:
– Permanent-Under-Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Peoples Award (2011)