Real People. Real Stories. Real Connections.
Gather with us for Beyond the Bio, a free speaker series featuring women and gender expansive people from Rhode Island and beyond. Each event offers space for deep listening and meaningful conversation. Expect powerful storytelling, audience Q+A, and a chance to meet speakers in an intimate, community-centered setting.
This month, we’re honored to welcome Michelle Bloomrose: retired U.S. Navy Commander, Lawyer, and LGBTQ+ Advocate.
Michelle was forced to retire from the United States Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps after more than 20 years of honorable service because she is a transgender woman. Her naval law practice took her to 49 of the 50 United States, all over Europe and the Middle East and gave her the opportunity to live & work in Italy, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. During her service, she performed two years of sea duty on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the Mediterranean and Red Seas, the Gulfs of Aden and Oman and the Persian Gulf.
Her practice focused on military justice, military personnel law, environmental law, national security law and legal education. She is most proud of her work on advocating for and implementing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal and the drafting and implementation of the 2016 Carter Policy that allowed open transgender service in the U.S. military for the first time.
Michelle's final position in the U.S. Navy was as the Commanding Officer of the Naval Justice School aboard Naval Station Newport. She is the recipient of five Meritorious Service Medals and numerous other personal, unit, and campaign awards in recognition of her exemplary service.
Presently, Michelle does contract work for GLAD Law and volunteers with SPARTAPride, The Good Health Project, and as the attorney coach of the Portsmouth High School Mock Trial Team. She makes her home in Portsmouth with her spouse of 22 years and their two children.
This is a ticketed event. Suggested donations of $5-10 per ticket helps support free public programs for women and gender expansive people.
Meet the Speaker!
Michelle Bloomrose, retired U.S. Navy Commander, Lawyer, and LGBTQ+ Advocate.
Come hear her story at The Alcove!
The Alcove is grateful to our community of members and supporters whose generosity makes public programs like this one possible. Together, we create space to thrive.