Caroline Paige

Openly serving in the UK Armed Forces, Caroline Paige is highly commended as the first transgender Officer in the British military. During her 35-year career, Caroline became a pivotal member of the Armed Forces after her transition in 1999. Continuing her life fighting for pride, Caroline has contributed greatly to the LGBT+ military community as an Equality and Diversity Adviser and also stands as joint CEO of Fighting With Pride. Available to book as an LGBT+ speaker, Caroline Paige is an inspirational figure.

Caroline began her career in the Royal Air Force in 1980, providing air defence and serving during the Cold War, the Gulf War, in Bosnia and in Northern Ireland. Although, whilst positioned as a Navigator in the RAF, Caroline was pressured to conceal feelings she experienced concerning her gender identity. Caroline had experienced feelings about her gender identity since childhood and continued to suppress her need to resolve her long-standing battle as the RAF barred LGBT service. With the need becoming overwhelming, Caroline spoke out to the RAF, informing them of her decision to transition. Met with hostility, Caroline was told that her gender transition would result in immediate dismissal and that she was ‘a liability and danger to personnel on operations’.

However, Caroline transitioned in 1998 and proved her potential after serving in Battlefield Helicopters and completing many operational tours across Afghanistan, Bosnia and Iraq. Caroline was credited for her exceptional service and became a well-respected specialist in tactics and platform protection systems. Caroline continued her service as a pioneer for LGBT+ acceptance until she retired in 2014; she became a member of Proud2Serve and the RAF LGBT Forum as well as an Equality & Diversity Adviser for the Armed Forces.

Having earnt great respect, Caroline was honoured with two Commander Joint Helicopter Command Commendations appreciating her ‘Exceptional Service’. Holding many acclamations, she was also commended by the Commander-In-Chief of the Royal Air Force during the 2012 Queen’s New Year’s Honours. Caroline shares her story as a role model to many, having co-authored Fighting with Pride and authored True Colours: My Life as the First Openly Transgender Officer in the British Armed Forces.

A truly inspirational person, Caroline represents the LGBT+ community, sharing awareness and the importance of LGBT+ inclusion in society. Caroline is a known figure and role model for many, including a Role Model at Stonewall School and a Patron of the Liverpool City Region Pride Foundation. Previously sharing her story on This Morning and her perspective on transgender military service at The Globe conference, Caroline is an inspiring voice booked for many events. Striving for acceptance, Caroline Paige is the perfect LGBT+ speaker, available to hire today!