Nic lives on his family farm in Lisbon, and is up early each day to herd cattle, work out, and study. Before the COVID-19 crisis shut down schools in Ohio, Nic served as a substitute teacher while working toward a graduate degree in global security. Now, he’s working as a delivery driver to serve his community however he can by ensuring people can get essential items.

Service is core to who Nic is. For as long as he can remember, Nic’s dream has been to serve his country in the U.S. military, and he’s been preparing to make that dream a reality since at least high school. He can meet and surpass the physical fitness standards. He’s been told by recruiters, professors, and friends in active service that his skills and training make him an excellent fit for service.

But Nic is banned from serving because he is transgender.

Now, while his friends head off to basic training, deploy, or do morning training exercises in ROTC, Nic is fighting for his right to serve the country he loves.

The transgender military ban is not supported by evidence. The policy arbitrarily bans qualified, willing individuals like Nic because of something that has nothing to do with their ability to serve.