Welcome to USNA Pride!
Get connected with the LGBTQIA+ and Allied Alumni of the United States Naval Academy!
Core Values
Inclusivity
Inclusivity
Inclusivity
Members of the USNA Pride SIG are committed to providing support, recognition, and acceptance to all, regardless of their personal identity.
Positivity
Inclusivity
Inclusivity
The USNA Pride SIG will strive to create a positive atmosphere of camaraderie, in which participating members will feel uplifted and inspired to connect with others and share their stories.
Character
Character
Character
Members of the USNA Pride SIG are role models. We will represent the LGBTQ+ and Allies community in a positive manner and will set the standard for behavior through our words, actions, and relationships. We are professional, respectful, and honest.
Community
Character
Character
Members of the USNA Pride SIG possess a wealth of experiences and diverse points of view in all aspects of life. Our main commonality is USNA, however we all bring individual strengths that contribute to the group. Our community is inclusive of all members, positive in nature, and strong in character.
Your Leadership Team
Capt Lucas Beltran, ‘20 (he/him)
President
USNA Class of 2020 - started in 24th Company, got shuffled to 19th Company; Gymnastics; Navy Spectrum; BS General Science. Marine Corps Ground Supply Officer (3002), Naval Postgraduate School.
Outside of work I like to surf, hike, travel, and go out with friends. I’ve been lucky enough to be stationed at Camp Pendleton and I live in the Hillcrest LGBTQ+ neighborhood of San Diego! Walking in the SD Pride parade and joining an LGBTQ+ soccer team has been the highlight of my experience on the West Coast.
I am a member of USNA Pride because I crave friendship and community amongst our LGBTQ+ officers in the military. I hope that no one feels alone or that they have no one to relate to. I would love to expand my knowledge on the USNA LGBTQ+ and ally leaders that have paved the way for me to be my authentic self.
Rob Beer, M.D. '90 (he/him)
Vice President
USNA Class of 1990; BS History. Surface Warfare Officer (Nuclear), Medical Corps.
Rob embarked on the first leg of his Navy career with the Surface Nuclear Power community, serving on the USS Virginia (CGN-38). He shifted career paths to the Medical Corps and earned his M.D. in 2000. After internship and a tour with the EOD community as a diving medical officer, he trained as an orthopedic surgeon and served in that capacity until retiring from active duty in 2015.
He currently works as an orthopedic trauma surgeon in Maryland and Virginia. He lives with his partner of 26 years, Van Ellis, and his boxer, Zoe, in Washington, D.C. He joined USNA pride because he wanted to help bring together a large and diverse minority group within the Alumni association to share our stories and collective triumphs and highlight the contributions our members have given to society and USNA.
ENS Caroline Bilbray-Kohn, ‘24 (she/her)
Secretary
USNA Class of 2024 - 21st Company; Jewish Midshipmen Club, SAPR GUIDE team; BS History.
I am from Las Vegas, love running, reading, and sparkling wine. I’m a recent graduate and am currently at Harvard Kennedy School pursuing a Masters in Public Policy.
My passions are to share the stories of LGBTQ+ service members and veterans in order to help them through policy change and historical remembrance. I joined USNA Pride to continue doing this with the community I love.
LT Israel Carriazo-Varela, '17 (he/him)
Treasurer
I am a proud member of the class of 2017 and currently serve as a Human Resources Officer in the US Navy’s Full-Time Support (FTS) community. Originally enlisting in 2010 as a Hospital Corpsman, I was selected to attend USNA after serving with the Marine Corps’ 4th Medical Battalion. I earned a B.S. in Economics and commissioned as a SWO before transitioning to the HR community in 2025. My career includes division officer tours aboard USS MONTGOMERY (LCS 8) and USS BULKELEY (DDG 84) and most recently as the Operational Test Director for ballistic missile defense and next generation destroyer programs at OPTEVFOR. I now serve at OPNAV N1, managing Reserve manpower requirements.
I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Financial Management from NPS and have a strong interest in fiscal strategy, equity and advocacy. As an LGBTQIA+ officer and first-generation American, I am passionate about building inclusive systems of support that empower underrepresented voices in and out of uniform. I live in Largo, MD with my husband, Alejandro (℅ 2021) and our two dogs, Parker and Wednesday. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, sailing, cooking outdoors and exploring the Coast.
I was thrilled to join USNA Pride a couple years back and am eager to serve our community as an At-Large leadership office holder. I’m proud of who I am and my service to our Nation. I believe the two don’t have to be separate/distinct celebrations. I would focus our attention on inclusivity, membership/organization and alumni foundation engagement.
LCDR Timmy Fitzgerald, '10 (he/him)
Outreach Officer
USNA Class of 2010 - 9th Company; BS Ocean Engineering; Surface Warfare Officer.
I grew up in Fleming Island, FL and due to my outgoing nature, love to connect people across the Academy spectrum.
I had the pleasure of attending USAFA for a semester, service-selected Submarines, and then redesignated to be a SWO in 2011. I served onboard USS INDEPENDENCE (LCS-2) in San Diego, CA. I decided the SWO life wasn't what I wanted to do for the rest of my career and put in a package to laterally transfer to the FAO community in 2018. I was selected for the CENTCOM region and completed a three-year course of study in Monterey, CA in 2021. From there I was sent to Saudi Arabia for a year and I'm currently serving at Navy International Programs Office in Washington, D.C.
I am married to the love of my life, Sam Lee. He is a structural engineer for a consulting firm called KPFF. We live in Brookland (NE DC) with our two corgis and cat!
Justin Rogers, '11 (he/him)
Board Member-At-Large
I graduated with distinction from Annapolis in 2011 with a B.S. in Ocean Engineering and a minor in Mandarin Chinese. I was in the 24th Company and was on the lightweight rowing team for my Plebe and Youngster years. I was a Plebe Company Commander and Battalion XO my Firstie Year. I also participated in a LREC in China. My days at the Naval Academy were some of the best 4 years of my life! I went on to serve as a Submarine Officer for over 8 years with primary tours in Honolulu, HI and Norfolk, VA. I completed two deployments to the Western Pacific on USS CHARLOTTE where I rotated between Electrical Officer, Damage Control Assistance, Assistant Engineer and Assistant Operations Officer. To close out my time on active duty, I was a staff action officer within the N8 at COMSUBLANT. I came out of the closet in spring of 2017. I’m gay!
I enjoy reading, traveling and soaking up fine and performing arts. My favorite region of the world is Southeast Asia and my favorite genres are history and Russian literature. Art museums and classical music (e.g. symphonies) interest me the most. I grew up in a Navy family; I consider the DC area most familiar to me although my folks retired to Philadelphia. They are Navy football season ticket holders so I make it back to Annapolis often! I’ve lived in Formia, Italy as well as Winter Harbor, ME.
Photo Gallery
USNA Women 50th Celebration
About the Event
The program features a curated blend of keynote conversations, panel discussions, fireside chats, athletic and social events, and opportunities for professional connection. Attendees will hear from distinguished speakers across the military, government, academia, and industry — including astronauts, senior officers, and leaders who have advanced equity, innovation, and national security.
Whether you are returning to Annapolis to reconnect with classmates or engaging in forward-looking dialogue on leadership and service, this summit offers a comprehensive, high-impact experience designed to inform, inspire, and unite.
Register on the Event Website
- Celebrate 50 years of trailblazing women at the Naval Academy.
- Reconnect with classmates and meet new generations of leaders.
- Hear from astronauts, senior officers, and barrier-breakers across the fleet, government, and industry.
- Be part of history — this milestone won’t come again.
- Build lasting connections that support your career, service, and community.
Alumni Leadership Forum
POSTPONED
After careful consideration from the leadership, this event has been postponed to Spring of 2027. Stay tuned for updates!
Resources
Modern Military Association of America
The Modern Military Association of America is a united voice for the LGBTQ+ military and veteran community. MMAA works to uphold and expand the civil rights progress made on behalf of the LGBTQ+ military and veteran community through education, advocacy, support networks, and discrimination tracking.