The retired Navy SEAL who made headlines when she came out as a transgender woman in 2013 is visiting the Bay area this weekend.

  • Kristin Beck served as member of SEAL Team 6
  • Beck's story subject of new film: "Lady Valor: The Kristin Beck Story"
  • Beck will be part of St. Pete Pride Parade on June 24
  • BAY NEWS 9+, NEWS 13+ APPS UPGRADED: The new releases have a block-style layout that makes it easier to navigate, as well as an added section for Attractions Insider. A new weather section includes hour-by-hour forecasts and marine buoy data. Update your app today!

Kristin Beck met with guests at the Freefall Theatre in St. Pete on June 23 at a viewing of her movie, “Lady Valor: The Kristin Beck Story.”

Beck said the movie is important in many ways, and the viewing is just in time for Pride weekend in St. Pete.

“If you can relate to some of my life, maybe you’ll have some compassion," said Beck. "Maybe you’ll look at a person or a 14-year-old transgender person who’s having a tough time and maybe you won’t scoff and maybe you won’t make fun, maybe you won’t use derogatory terminology to that 14-year-old."

Beck is hoping that message will be heard loud and clear, and not just by the LGBT community.

“It’s about my life and it wasn’t made for maybe the LGBT community," said Beck. "I kind of made it for Ohio and Iowa and all the rednecks out there because there’s a gun, there’s a beer and there’s a dog in every scene."

She jokes about parts of the movie, but says the impact it could potentially make in someone’s life is immeasurable.

A highly decorated veteran who was once stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, Beck added that she wants to help educate the LGBT community about other veterans.

“So maybe we can open up some minds of some of the folks who really don’t know what veterans do," said Beck.

And although Beck has transitioned, she makes it clear that she’s just as tough now.

“I’m still Christopher, I’m still Kristin, I’m still a warrior but I’m also an artist. I’m also a peacemaker, I’m also a bridge builder,” she said.

Beck retired five years ago and has two older children. She now lives near Washington D.C with her wife of two years.

Like many veterans, she paints to help with her PTSD and with her transition. Some of her works are now on display at the Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay, where she'll be doing a book signing prior to participating in the St. Pete Pride Parade on June 24.

For more information about Beck's appearance at the Veterans Art Center, visit www.vactb.org.