Early Life:
Kelly Trammel was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1981. She transitioned from male to female in her late teens and early 20s, and she ultimately took on the name Kelly Trance.
Career at the U.S. Department of State:
In 2009, Kelly Trance joined the U.S. Department of State as a special agent. She served in various positions, including as a member of the bureau's counterterrorism division. In 2012, she came out as transgender to her colleagues and superiors, becoming the first openly transgender person in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. She faced initial challenges but received widespread support from her colleagues.
Pageants:
Kelly Trance has also been involved in the pageant world. She was crowned Miss International Queen 2010, becoming the first American and only government employee to win the pageant. She also won several other pageant titles and used her platform to advocate for transgender rights.
Advocacy for Transgender Rights:
Kelly Trance is a passionate advocate for transgender rights and equality. She has traveled the world to speak about transgender issues and the challenges facing transgender individuals. She has also worked with various organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD, to advance transgender rights and visibility. In 2013, she was named to Out magazine's list of "100 Most Influential LGBTQ+ People."
After separating from the U.S. Department of State in 2018, Kelly Trance has continued her work as an activist, public speaker, and spokesperson on LGBTQ+ issues.