By guest contributor Trish King
For many Americans, the term POW/MIA — signifying troops who were or are prisoners of war or missing in action — carries a deep sense of reverence. It’s etched into the national memory through black-and-white flags, solemn ceremonies, and the stories of service members who never made it home. For U.S. Navy Lieutenant Rae Timberlake, who identifies as non-binary, this legacy is not just a symbol but a meaningful chapter in their career.
Timberlake reflects fondly on their time serving in communications for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), where they embodied the nation’s promise to leave no one behind, deploying to remote locations to recover and identify the remains of American service members from past conflicts. This mission to leave no one behind has endured throughout Timberlake’s career, especially as they leverage their communications skills to enhance the visibility of LGBTQ+ service members and their contributions.
U.S. Navy Lieutenant Rae Timberlake
A Path of Service and Identity
Timberlake’s journey began in Michigan, where they grew up listening to stories from family members who served. They joined the Navy at 17, seeing it as a way to grow, learn, and discover their potential. “It was supposed to be a gap year — or four,” Timberlake says with a laugh, “but the Navy quickly became a place where I could stretch, grow, and find a deeper sense of purpose.”
As a Mass Communication Specialist, Timberlake documented daily operations across the Navy, honing their skills as a storyteller and capturing the service of others. Their work bridged the Navy’s past and present, from their role at DPAA to deployments aboard carriers supporting global operations. “I’ve had the privilege of telling the Navy’s story while living it,” they share.
While their time at DPAA remains a career highlight, it is just one piece of a larger narrative of dedication and service. “Meeting the families of the missing and seeing the gratitude in their eyes made all the challenges worthwhile,” they recall.
For Timberlake, these experiences epitomize service: ensuring no one is left behind and always striving to fulfill the mission. “It’s a reminder of what the military is truly about. It’s not about gender — it’s about dedication, teamwork, and fulfilling a promise.”
The Power of Representation
As a non-binary service member, Timberlake acknowledges the challenges of serving in an institution steeped in tradition. “The non-binary identity isn’t formally recognized in the military, so people have to pay attention to what I say and do to understand how to interact with me,” they explain. “That can be hard, but it often leads to respectful interactions because they see me — not my gender.”
SPARTA, a nonprofit supporting transgender service members and a coalition partner of Modern Military, has been a crucial part of Timberlake’s journey. As a volunteer public affairs officer for SPARTA in their off-duty time, they help amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ military personnel. “It’s about creating a space where people can serve authentically and feel supported,” Timberlake explains. “Representation matters — not just for those of us currently serving, but for the next generation of recruits.”
Timberlake also pushes back against misconceptions about non-binary and transgender service members. “There’s this false idea that we aren’t deployable or ready,” they assert. “It’s infuriating because it’s just not true; I’m ready to deploy tonight if needed, and I’ve never been medically unready.”
This focus on standards underscores an often-overlooked aspect of the military: its readiness challenges. A 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlighted that while ground forces have improved, sea forces like the Navy face significant readiness issues, with maintenance backlogs and staffing shortages creating hurdles. In this context, Timberlake’s ability to remain fully deployable is not just a personal achievement — it’s a critical contribution to the Navy’s mission.
Timberlake also sees their leadership role as an opportunity to inspire others. “I want young queer service members to look at me and say, ‘There’s a place for me here,’” they share. “My goal is to exist authentically within the system and show that it’s possible to thrive.”
This authenticity extends to their professional achievements. Timberlake’s commitment to excellence has earned them recognition at every stage of their career. “At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what side of the jacket my buttons are on,” they quip. “I meet the standards, just like everyone else.”
A Call for Understanding
As military policies on transgender service members face renewed scrutiny, Timberlake underscores the importance of having informed conversations and building awareness of the contributions of these service members. “The people making these decisions often don’t know us or our stories,” they say. “We’re not a burden. We’re ready, capable, and dedicated.”
Through their work with SPARTA and their service in the Navy, Timberlake is determined to challenge stereotypes and foster greater understanding. “Community is everything,” they emphasize. “It’s what keeps us going — whether it’s in the field, at sea, or at home.”
Timberlake’s journey, inspired by family stories of service, has come full circle. From a young enlistee seeking growth to a dedicated officer recovering America’s fallen heroes and reshaping the narrative around LGBTQ+ service, they embody the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment.
In their words: “Service is about showing up, doing the work, and being there for others — no matter who you are or where you come from.”
Guest contributor Trish King is a retired U.S. Army infantry NCO and the first openly transgender service member in her field. She writes about military life, family, and LGBTQ+ rights, drawing from her decades of service and personal experience.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Macklin)
