In this special Veterans Day episode, we sit down with the incomparable Keturah Johnson—combat veteran, flight attendant, and International Vice President of AFA-CWA. As the first queer woman of color and veteran elected to serve in this powerful union role, Keturah shares her extraordinary journey from the tarmac to the battlefield to the picket lines. She opens up about her military service during “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” her fierce advocacy for trans rights, and the fight for visibility and equity in aviation.
This conversation is full of heart, truth, and power. We dive into what it means to wear the uniform—both in the military and in the skies—as a queer person of color, and how union activism is helping change the future of the flight attendant profession. Keturah brings receipts, realness, and the kind of candid insight that will leave you inspired (and maybe a little fired up). You don't want to miss this one.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Episode Highlights:
[0:21] Introducing Keturah Johnson and why she’s the perfect Veterans Day guest
[1:20] That time Keturah met Joe Biden at the airport—aviators and all
[2:42] From catering planes to the National Guard—Keturah’s journey into the military
[5:00] Deployed to Afghanistan: surviving combat under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
[7:04] “Don’t clap for veterans—vote for them.” Keturah gets real about systemic neglect
[10:57] Growing up in Kenya and how that shaped her global worldview
[13:20] Losing her locks in the military and reclaiming identity through union activism
[21:57] Fighting for uniform choice and pushing back from day one
[24:22] Union leadership 101—stepping into power and demanding representation
[27:44] Why diverse leadership matters and the power of being unapologetically visible
[30:50] The importance of visibility through pins, pronouns, and showing up
[32:47] Becoming the first queer woman of color elected to high AFA office
[35:06] Dealing with respect and disrespect—how Keturah keeps going
[38:24] Speaking up at work: real advice for taking action and using your voice
[41:07] Building union power and the HRE committee’s biggest wins
[44:43] Advice to new flight attendants: wear your pin and speak up
[45:15] Keturah’s go-off moment—protect trans folks, respect veterans, and support women’s sports
[46:29] Cross-Checked lightning round—windo
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