Rebecca Storozuk, 29, is Orange County, Florida’s first transgender deputy. And she told a Central Florida TV station her transition on the job has been “fantastic.”
“I’m happy to finally be me,” Storozuk told News 13.
“I knew I was a (transgender) forever, and I originally identified as a gay male because I thought that would be easier than trying to explain being trans,” said Storozuk. “I just couldn’t do it. I was terrified for so long.”
But her coworkers helped her begin her transition, she said.
Never Miss a Beat
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.
“Law enforcement has this type of reputation that is not true, that they need you to be a ‘good old boy’ and behind the times,” the deputy said. “They have treated me fantastic. I don’t think I would be where I am today without the Sheriff’s Office.”
Storozuk began her career in the U.S. Army, right out of high school and has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2012. Now, the sheriff’s office is assembling a new transgender employee policy to help make the transition easier for others.
And Storozuk decided to share her story in hopes those still in the closet might follow her.
“If someone can see my story — even just one, if it helps them come out and better understand themselves — that’s something I’m all for,” Storozuk said.
