Gio

This is my story.

I am a veteran of the US Air Force, a community advocate, a brother, an athlete, and a lover of sneakers. My story starts from birth - I’m the child of two teen parents, and my mom is one of the dopest people I've ever met.

Growing up, our house was total chaos but in the best way possible. We were a family with lots of siblings, so our house was always filled with friends, cousins, and family. We were always playing sports, so managing schedules was crazy, but it was a fun and loving household that prepared me for the challenges of military life.

All about love.

Our family was all about love. No matter what happened, we always showed each other love. My mom always said, "Love is an action word," and she lives that every day. We showed up for each other in ways that mattered most, whether it was through food, support at sports events, or just being there for one another.

Being the oldest of ten siblings, I’ve always taken pride in being there for my younger siblings and we all are still really close. I love being an uncle, and really enjoy the way we all laugh together, support each other, and even bicker—it’s all part of what makes us stronger and more united.

High school was a time where I thrived. I played four varsity sports, participated in choir and band and I graduated at the top of my class. Being inducted into my high school Alumni Hall of Fame was a significant milestone for me.

The journey isn't only ours.

When I told my family I was transgender, it was definitely challenging for them to wrap their heads around - especially my mom. But through love and education they came to understand and respect who I am and now we’re closer than ever. My whole family - my mom, dad, and siblings - all show up for me, supporting me really in every way possible. My dad is definitely a quieter person, but he loves me and shows support in his loudest ways.

I live in a small town that’s quaint and quiet, and just like any other suburban area. Saturdays at my house are dedicated to Alabama Crimson Tide football. I’m also a huge sneaker head and collecting shoes is a huge part of my life; they're more than just shoes—they're a culture, a conversation starter, and a way to connect with others.

Integrity above all else.

Serving in the Air Force taught me invaluable lessons that guide my life today. The three pillars I learned—integrity above all, service before self, and excellence in all we do—mirror the values I was taught growing up. Integrity, in particular, is something I hold dear, striving to do what is right even when it’s difficult. These values helped shape my character, reinforcing the lessons of love, support, and resilience my family instilled in me.

We should all be able to live authentically and free from fear. Being transgender is just one part of who I am, and I want people to understand that we are so much more than just one thing. We are family members, veterans, athletes, and friends. I hope that by sharing my story, I can help create a world where everyone feels safe to be themselves and is valued for who they truly are.