Shane Ortega
The US Army's First Openly Trans Soldier
Shane Ortega is the first openly serving transgender military service member. He was featured in the HBO documentary “The Trans List” and on the History Channel’s “History Now”. Ortega is a mixed-race American Indian, a retired disabled combat Veteran (Marines and Army) of over 11 years, and a Two-spirit (Transgender) man.
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Full Bio
Shane Ortega is the first openly serving transgender military service member. He was featured in the HBO documentary “The Trans List” and on the History Channel’s “History Now”. Ortega is a mixed-race American Indian, a retired disabled combat Veteran (Marines and Army) of over 11 years, and a Two-spirit (Transgender) man.
He has a 12+ year record of championing human rights legislation and policy as an advocate, consultant, author, speaker, and educator in topics such as LGBTQ equity, indigenous rights, disabled veterans’ rights, MMIW, two-spirit education, land sovereignty, and colonial/tribal law relationship.
Ortega is most commonly known for his work repealing the transgender military ban, and co-founding the non-profit organization Spart*a. He also assisted with education for the “Road Home Program” at Howard Brown Health in Chicago. Ortega continues to give keynote speeches at universities, hospitals, and corporations like Apple and Bloomberg News. He has also been featured in modeling campaigns for companies like Belvedere Vodka with Janelle Monae and 2xist.
Ortega is the recipient of several military and civilian awards; the most recent being the Icon Award from Harper’s Bazaar, as one of the three most influential champions of human rights for people of color in America. Continuously learning, he is currently pursuing a Master of Legal Studies – Indigenous Peoples Law.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
An Evening with Shane Ortega
Videos
Transgender veteran Shane Ortega discusses Trump's military ban
Shane Ortega, First Openly Transgender Soldier, Reacts To President Donald Trump’s Ban | MSNBC
Interview with Shane Ortega: The First Trans Person to Serve Openly in the Military | LGBTQ&A
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