Biography:
Hannah Graf is a former officer of the British Army, transgender rights activist, and a prominent figure in women’s history. Born as Captain Hannah Graf MBE (née Winterbourne), she made history as the highest-ranking transgender officer in the British Army, commanding a company of a hundred soldiers. Her journey of self-discovery and unwavering dedication to transgender rights has left an indelible mark on society.
During her training at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Graf openly identified as a gay man. However, she found this identification to be unsatisfactory and felt that she did not find solace within the gay male community. Her experiences led her on a path of self-reflection and exploration, ultimately inspiring her decision to come out as a transgender woman in 2013.
Prior to her transition, Graf served with distinction at the Camp Bastion airbase in Afghanistan in 2012. As a captain in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, she oversaw a company of soldiers, displaying immense leadership and dedication.
After returning from her tour of duty, Graf took the brave step of embracing her true identity. Despite having uncertainties about how others would perceive her, she received overwhelming support from her colleagues in the British Army. Graf’s courage and authenticity in expressing her transgender identity led her to become an advisor on transgender issues within the army, further cementing her role as a trailblazer for transgender rights.
Beyond her military career, Hannah Graf’s influence extends into the realm of activism. She is a proud patron of the charity Mermaids, which supports gender-diverse children and young people, highlighting her commitment to transgender rights from a young age. Additionally, she served as an ambassador for LGBT Sport Cymru, championing inclusivity and equality within the sports community.
Graf’s outstanding contributions to society were recognized in 2016 when she received an honorary fellowship from Cardiff University. This prestigious accolade acknowledged her invaluable work with Mermaids and LGBT Sport Cymru. Two years later, Hannah Graf was bestowed with the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, for her exemplary services to the LGBTQ community in the military. She used this platform to advocate for the British Army’s progressive approach to embracing transgender individuals while criticizing the detrimental bans imposed on transgender personnel in the United States military.
In 2019, Graf was honored by the LGBT rights organization Stonewall as their Trans Role Model of the Year. This recognition showcases her influential role in inspiring and empowering individuals across the transgender community.
Hannah Graf’s personal life is a testament to her resilience and commitment to love and acceptance. She met actor and filmmaker Jake Graf, who is also transgender, in December 2015. The couple announced their engagement in 2017 and the following year, they celebrated their marriage. In 2020, they joyously welcomed their first child, their experience as transgender parents being broadcasted in the Channel 4 documentary Our Baby: a Modern Miracle.
Hannah Graf’s unwavering determination, courageous self-acceptance, and significant contributions to transgender rights have cemented her place as a prominent figure in women’s history and a source of inspiration for countless individuals. Her story serves as a reminder that each person’s journey is unique and deserves to be embraced and celebrated.
Awards:
– Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the LGBTQ community in the military (2018)
– Honorary Fellowship from Cardiff University (2016)
– Stonewall’s Trans Role Model of the Year (2019)