From CIA Officer to Advocate: Julia Curlee's Journey of Identity and Service

Julia Curlee, a former CIA officer, has emerged as a voice for transgender individuals within the U.S. intelligence community, sharing her experiences and the challenges she faced while serving under multiple administrations. Growing up in Hawaii, Curlee aspired to be an intelligence officer, a dream she realized in 2007 when she took her oath with the CIA. However, her journey was marked by another lifelong aspiration: to live authentically as a woman, a dream she fulfilled in 2013 when she became the first CIA officer to transition openly.

Throughout her career spanning over two decades, Curlee held significant roles, including serving as the daily intelligence briefer for Vice President Pence during the Trump administration and later as a director on the National Security Council under both Trump and Biden. Despite her professional successes, Curlee faced increasing hostility towards transgender individuals, particularly under the latter Trump administration. This culminated in her abrupt dismissal from the White House after just 70 days back in office in 2025.

Upon her return to the CIA, Curlee found herself in an environment that lacked support, prompting her to leave her dream job earlier this year. In a candid conversation on Radio Atlantic, Curlee revealed the emotional toll of her experiences and the necessity of sharing her story. "The institutions that I served through my adult life are under assault," she expressed, highlighting the challenges faced by intelligence officers in delivering unbiased information in a politically charged atmosphere.

Reflecting on her transition, Curlee recounted the fear she experienced on her first day as her authentic self. Despite the daunting circumstances, she remained committed to her identity and the mission of public service. Curlee's story is a testament to resilience and the ongoing battle for acceptance and representation within the intelligence community, as she seeks to raise awareness about the unique struggles faced by transgender individuals.

Source: www.theatlantic.com