Karen Ortiz, a former administrative judge with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), is speaking out after being fired for challenging anti-trans directives issued under former president Donald Trump.
In a recent interview with Marie Claire, Ortiz revealed she is seriously considering running for public office, following her dismissal in the wake of opposing a policy that deprioritised cases of gender identity discrimination.
The policy stemmed from Trump’s 2020 executive order that declared only “male” and “female” sex classifications would be legally recognised, and that these were “unchangeable.”
Ortiz, 53, was removed from her position after she described the directive in an internal email as both “unethical” and “unlawful”. The email later went viral.
‘I Will Not Compromise My Ethics’
Ortiz, who is pursuing legal action for whistleblower retaliation and discrimination, said she was dismissed for refusing to remain silent in the face of injustice.
“I may be an introvert, but I don’t stay quiet when I see harm being done,” she said.
“I knew the risks. But I couldn’t stay silent.”
In a second email to EEOC acting chair Andrea Lucas, Ortiz reportedly made her stance clear: “I will not compromise my ethics.”
The EEOC later cited her for “unprofessional” conduct due to internal communications criticising agency leadership and warning about an increasingly “hostile environment” for LGBTQ+ complainants.
Ortiz also wants a public apology from the EEOC — both for herself and for the trans and non-binary communities affected by the directive.
Support from the Queer Community
While many of her civil rights colleagues stayed silent, Ortiz said the trans and LGBTQ+ communities rallied behind her, lifting her up in the aftermath.
“It’s about all of us,” she said.
“I don’t want to be the kind of person who loses compassion in the fight for justice. The point is to stay human. That’s not weakness. That’s clarity. That’s strength.”
Despite the personal and professional cost, Ortiz said she doesn’t regret her actions.
“I don’t regret a thing. Not a single word. I know what I’m doing. And I know why. It’s not about ego. It’s about alignment. I’d rather live on cornflakes and community than keep a job that costs me my soul.”
‘Values Are Your North Star’
Ortiz called on other public servants to stay true to their principles, even when it’s difficult.
“Values aren’t meant to be convenient — they’re the truth of your soul. That truth is your North Star.”
Looking to the future, Ortiz says she’s strongly considering a Senate run, inspired by her deep commitment to public service and civil rights.
“I have the experience, the heart and soul of a public servant, and the audacity to throw my hat in the ring.”
Her story arrives at a time when LGBTQ+ rights advocates in the US are warning that legislation targeting queer and trans people is becoming more extreme, particularly under a potential second Trump administration.
