Luminary Hero Award: SPARTA Pride
With courage and foresight, SPARTA Pride defends the dignity, honor, and rights of trans service members across the country. Despite renewed efforts from the federal government to strip trans service members of resources, recognition, and careers, the organization has stood firm, offering essential peer support and mutual aid and proactively educating military commanders, lawmakers, and the public. SPARTA Pride not only addresses the gaps left by a failing system, but they courageously innovate from within, risking vulnerability by being unapologetically visible and promoting inclusivity within the military. Having fought during the first trans military ban, they now return to lead again during this critical moment in history. Their resilience and determination in the face of adversity and the risks they take are nothing short of heroic. We are proud to honor their revolutionary spirit.
Sam Rodriguez
SPARTA Member Director & Board Member
My name is Sam Rodriguez, and my pronouns are they/them. I am a commissioned officer in the United States Navy Medical Service Corps and a social worker. I am originally from Houston, Texas, and I am a proud spouse and parent of two. I have been serving in the Navy since 2015, starting my career as an enlisted sailor. After 9.5 years on active duty, I was commissioned in April 2025. As a nonbinary trans person, my path in the military has included both service and survival—navigating evolving policies, institutional barriers, and moments of real vulnerability. Due to recent policy changes, my time in uniform is coming to a close. But I never believed service ends when the uniform comes off. My commitment to showing up—for my community, for my peers, and for equity—continues with just as much force. Over nearly a decade of service, I deployed twice and served at four operational commands. I worked alongside incredible teams, led from the deckplates, and stayed grounded in one truth: that representation matters. Not just in name, but in lived presence. And I carry that forward into every command, every challenge, and every room I walk into.
Being selected as a Luminary Hero is an honor I carry with deep humility. This is not just about me—it is about the broader community with which I stand. It is for the junior sailor wondering if they can survive one more tour in silence. It is for the service member fighting to be seen as whole, not in pieces. Representing SPARTA in this moment is about reflecting the resilience and brilliance of our people. It is about honoring every story that has been silenced and creating space for the ones still unfolding. I do not take this lightly—it is a call to continue the work, louder and more unapologetically than ever.
Paulo Batista
SPARTA Regional Coordinator
Paulo Batista had already completed his gender transition when, at age 38, he finally achieved his years-long dream to successfully enlist in the U.S. military. Three years later, Batista, 41, a Naval intelligence analyst, now mentors other transgender persons with similar dreams. In that role, he has seen their path swiftly blocked by an executive order. “Transgender troops are 1% of the voices that can speak about our service and efforts. It is allies’ voices that help project our voices and the truth of who we are and what we do.”
“Visibility alone is not enough. Visibility without support is just exposure. Transgender service members do not need to be tolerated; we deserve to be respected, protected, and included. We serve with the same honor, courage, and commitment as anyone else. And when access is taken from one group, others will follow. The rollback of trans rights in the military is a warning sign. Stripping access and dignity from trans people creates ripples that affect all marginalized communities. The military should reflect the diversity of the nation it serves. When people are allowed to show up as their full, authentic selves, the entire force is stronger. Diversity is not a threat; it is our strategic advantage.”