Mandalorian Marathon for Trans Heroes

A few years ago, I was part of a team that I invited to participate in the Bataan Memorial Death March in White Sands, New Mexico. It’s one of the most difficult marathons you can do in the continental United States since it takes place in a literal desert.

Two Sailors, an Airman, a Marine, and a prospective Coast Guard recruit went on this trek. All but one were trans servicemembers. We finished the ruck with heavy packs and even at the 26-mile marker, we held a little reenlistment ceremony for me. My reenlisting officer was trans.

SPARTA was founded over a decade ago following the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. It wasn’t fair that trans servicemembers were left out in the cold for open service in the military. So, as a way to help build advocacy, I lent my skills as a graphic designer and produced the now ubiquitous logo for the non-profit.

Trans service-members have been banned before, then accepted into open service. But now, they are banned again.

Because trans service-members are now being summarily kicked out, I decided to do a tiny little fundraiser to help an organization that is fighting like hell to help trans service-members stay in.

This year, I’m doing the Bataan Memorial Death March again, fully suited as a Mandalorian. (I’ve done it as a fully kitted Stormtrooper twice before.)

However, I only signed up for the half marathon.

If this fundraiser manages to raise over $1,000, I will do the full marathon on Saturday, 22 March 2025. With pictures along the way.

I suffer a full day as a Stormtrooper, you get entertained, SPARTA gets the funding they need to help trans servicemembers and hopefully stay in and continue serving. It’s a win-win.