Caroline Paige is a role model, not only due to her outstanding service in the Royal Air Force which earned her several commendations, but also because she was the first transgender officer to serve openly in the British Armed Forces.
We were delighted when Caroline came to our Manchester office as an inspirational speaker for our national team training day. Her eye-opening story of how diversity and inclusion can be promoted both in military and civilian places of work was at the centre of discussion. She also described her fascinating career –
including 17 operational tours as a jet and helicopter navigator.
Caroline spoke of her early career flying Phantom F4s and intercepting Soviet long-range bomber aircraft during the Cold War. She also completed tours in the Falkland Islands and ran tactical air operations following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, before joining the UN Anglo-French Rapid Reaction Force operating in Bosnia in 1995.
Four years later, she bravely decided it was time to resolve the lifelong battle with gender identity she’d struggled with since childhood. Caroline became the first transgender officer to transition and serve openly in the Ministry of Defence. At the time there was still a ban on homosexuals and transgender personnel serving openly in the military and it wasn’t until the following year that it was lifted.
Caroline told us how there was still much prejudice both in and out of the military. When the media learnt of her transition newspaper articles soon followed, referring to Caroline as being ‘mentally unbalanced’ and a ‘danger to others on operations’.
A particularly captivating memory Caroline spoke of was when she was scrolling through an online forum and reading hateful comments about her. Out of all the comments, there was one single supportive one; it was someone standing up for Caroline and defending her experience and attitude. Other encouraging messages followed, and it was at that moment Caroline realised the importance of allies and advocates, and that standing up to bigotry was key to promoting tolerance and inclusion.
Her superiors recognised the invaluable skills and experiences she brought to the table and the Royal Air Force decided that they did not want to lose her. With the support of a military doctor fighting her corner and with superiors willing to listen and learn, Caroline was accepted in service as a female officer – a landmark case for equal rights within the military.
Caroline enjoyed a further 16 years in the RAF. She spent time on deployment to Bosnia in 2003 and Iraq in 2005, and it was during this time she was recognised with two Commander Joint Helicopter Command Commendations for ‘Exceptional Service’. She then completed further tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the first Merlin deployment in 2009. In 2012 she received her third Commendation from the Commander-in-Chief of the RAF in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.
Building on her impressive 35-year career, Caroline helped to develop and run the European Defence Agency Helicopter Tactics Course, before her final role in leading a European Defence Agency Mentor Team in Portugal to advise and train helicopter crews taking part in a multinational flying exercise involving military helicopters from six European nations.
After speaking of her incredible career in the RAF, Caroline then turned to her more recent work in promoting transgender equality and inclusion both in the British Armed Forces and in civilian places of work. She spoke of the need for good leadership and education in helping to promote core values of understanding and respect. Through this an inclusive work environment can be created which discourages division, isolation, prejudice and misunderstanding.
What struck us was not only how Caroline had overcome great adversity and become a role model for many, but that she’s part of an important change of attitudes.
Caroline’s message is clear – it takes courage to stand up for someone, and it’s the advocates and allies in a place of work that can change opinions and create inclusion.
Caroline Paige: True Colours
Caroline Paige’s autobiography, ‘True Colours’, describes her amazing experiences in the military, flying in some of the most dangerous skies in the world, as well as the challenges she’s faced and how she champions the values of tolerance and inclusion. Available to purchase now for £20.
When Caroline isn’t teaching battlefield skills to European military helicopter crews, she shares her life experiences as a Stonewall School Role Model and public speaker to inspire others and raise awareness of transgender inclusion.
For general enquiries
0808 291 3524
Or we can call you back at a time of your choice
Phone lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year
