LeAnne Withrow

LeAnne Keely Erin Withrow
Born1990 (age 34–35)
AllegianceUnited States
ServiceIllinois Army National Guard
Service years2010–2023
RankStaff Sergeant
Unit139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
ConflictsOperation Enduring Freedom (Guantanamo Bay)

LeAnne Keely Erin Withrow (born 1990) is an American transgender activist, veteran, and author. She is best known for her public advocacy work on behalf of transgender military personnel and federal workers, particularly in challenging discriminatory policies surrounding gender identity and workplace rights. Withrow served in the Illinois Army National Guard for over 13 years before her medical retirement and has published works under the names Ian Withrow and LeAnne Keely.

Early life and education

Withrow was born in Galesburg, Illinois, and grew up in central Illinois.[1] She attended the University of Illinois Springfield, where she is earning a bachelor's degree in communications and currently writes for the UIS Observer.[2]

Advocacy

Withrow publicly came out as transgender in 2016, becoming the first openly transgender service member in the Illinois National Guard.[3] She later served as communications director for SPARTA, a nonprofit advocacy organization that promotes inclusive military service policies and supports LGBTQ+ service members. She has been a frequent media contributor and speaker on issues of gender equity, inclusion in the armed forces, and the experiences of transgender veterans. In interviews with NPR Illinois and other outlets, Withrow has discussed the intersection of military culture, personal identity, and evolving federal workplace protections.[4] In 2025, Withrow filed a class action Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint, represented by the ACLU, challenging a federal mandate requiring government employees to use bathrooms based on sex assigned at birth. The case, which argues the policy violates civil rights and equal protection, drew national attention and was cited by multiple legal and media organizations.[5][6] Later that year, Withrow and other plaintiffs, represented jointly by the ACLU and Democracy Forward, filed the federal class-action lawsuit Withrow v. United States Of America in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. The suit seeks to enjoin the enforcement of the policy nationwide and to certify a class of affected transgender and intersex federal employees.[7][8][9] Withrow has spoken on NPR Illinois and at community events about the personal and systemic challenges faced by transgender people in service. She continues to use her platform to advocate for dignity, access, and protection for transgender federal workers and veterans.

Military career

Withrow enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in 2010 as a food service specialist (92G) and reclassified as a public affairs specialist in 2013. She served with the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment and was involved in domestic and international operations including:

  • Deployment to Guantanamo Bay Naval Base (2015–2016)
  • Ulchi Freedom Guardian (2013) in South Korea
  • NATO Summit (2012) in Chicago
  • Eager Lion (2019) in Jordan
  • Arctic Eagle (2020) in Alaska
  • Response efforts for flooding, Hurricane Irma, COVID-19, and civil disturbances

She medically retired in December 2023 with over a dozen awards and commendations for service. Following retirement, she continued working in the National Guard as a civilian Lead Military Family Readiness Specialist and Disability Program Manager.[10]

Writing career

Withrow is also an author of speculative and contemporary fiction. Writing under the names Ian Withrow and LeAnne Keely, her work frequently explores themes of identity, power, and transformation. Her titles are published through Ink & Quill Press, an independent publisher based in Illinois. Notable works:

  • Tragedy of Power (as Ian Withrow)
  • Apathetic God (as Ian Withrow)
  • Sinister (as LeAnne Keely)
  • Rain in October (as LeAnne Keely)
  • Snow in November (as LeAnne Keely)

Awards and decorations

Withrow’s decorations include:

Public recognition

Withrow has been profiled in Time, Reuters, The Associated Press and NPR Illinois for her advocacy work and service record.[6][11] [12] In 2023, she was recognized by the Illinois National Guard for outstanding contributions to public affairs and diversity outreach initiatives.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Community Voices: Transgender Advocacy in the Military with Former Staff Sgt. LeAnne Withrow". NPR Illinois. July 14, 2023. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
  2. ^ "UIS Alumni Spotlight: LeAnne Withrow". University of Illinois Springfield. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
  3. ^ "LeAnne Withrow". SPARTA. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
  4. ^ "Transgender Advocacy in the Military with Former Staff Sgt. LeAnne Withrow". NPR Illinois. July 14, 2023. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
  5. ^ "LeAnne Withrow EEO Class Complaint (redacted)" (PDF). ACLU. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  6. ^ a b Stewart, Emily (April 18, 2025). "The Return of the Transgender Military Ban". Time. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  7. ^ "Withrow v. U.S. Office of Personnel Management: Class Action Complaint" (PDF). Democracy Forward. November 2025. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
  8. ^ "ACLU and Democracy Forward Challenge Federal Bathroom Policy". ACLU. November 2025. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
  9. ^ Wiessner, Daniel (2025-11-21). "Trump order on transgender federal workers' bathroom use challenged in lawsuit". Reuters. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
  10. ^ "ILNG Soldier Retires". Illinois National Guard. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
  11. ^ Wiessner, Daniel (20 November 2025). "Trump order on transgender federal workers' bathroom use challenged in lawsuit". Retrieved 21 November 2025.
  12. ^ Savage, Claire (4 September 2025). "Transgender federal employees say they face fear and discrimination under Trump". Associated Press. Associated Press. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.