Collections by Michelle Brown WSG Karen Kendra Holmes

Karren Kendra Holmes is a Transgender Activist. Community Service has been a big part of her life before and after her transition to living her authentic life as a woman.

She’s a member of The Maryland Defense Force, a volunteer military organization supporting the Maryland National Guard. 

In 2012 she received "Soldier of the Year" from the Maryland State Guard Association and The Maryland Defense Force.  In 2013, out of 24 states and 23 thousand soldiers, she was named "Soldier of the Year" by the State Guard Association of the United.

Since 2010 she has received multiple awards for her community service including the Willis Greene community service award in 2014. The Award is named after a man who gave back tirelessly to his community This award is presented to individuals who personify this commitment by making significant contributions to community service. Before her transition, she had received several awards for community service including her first the Willis Greene award in 2003. 

She has given a TED Talk on her transition from Tony to Karen. In 2017 she was selected in the LGBTQ Nation Bilerico Report as one of The Top 50 Successful Transgender Americans You Should Know, and in 2018 was selected by Capital Pride for Heroes Gala Awards for "Engendered Spirit Award.”

Karen has much to share with the transgender and LGBTQ communities.  She believes together we can help quiet the turmoil within that suggest we're different. We are not different, and we need to continuously express how we are more alike than not.