Rachael Cosgrove

Rachael joined the Royal Australian Navy in October 1999, as a junior rate, following the completion of a 10-year career as a JNCO Rachael decided to apply for their commission. In 2009 Rachael joined HMAS Creswell as a Midshipman to specialise in Maritime Warfare.
Rachael is now a qualified Principal Warfare Officer specialising in Mine Warfare.

In 2013, they married their lifelong sweetheart Gillian, in a ceremony in Wollongong that was witnessed by many. Rachael and Gillian shared a 13-year-old child at the time and decided to add to the value of three. They now have a 26-year-old son (Corban), a 10-year-old daughter. (Kaitlyn) and 8-year-old daughter, (Sophie). Rachael took some time away from the pressures of the sea-going environment to focus on family. As a family they moved
to Sydney so that Rachael could pursue their career advancement course. They currently live in Mascot where they have established a happy pattern of life.

In 2008 Rachael marched with DEFGLIS as the first contingent with Defence Approval in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, this milestone event saw them become passionate about the DEFGLIS platform and committed to helping in any way possible to build a more robust supportive network for the Defence LGBTIQ community. In 2019 Rachael marched for the first time in uniform after marching for consecutive years with their family, this was a
moment that they will never forget. Rachael is an outwardly spoken advocate for all members of the community, they have an invested interest in the treatment of the TGD members as well as the barriers still being faced by women and same-sex families and families of non- traditional composition.

Rachael believes that although there have been many changes experienced by the LGBTIQ community there is still a long way to go, more must change if the LGBTIQ community is to feel safe, respected and absolute equality in all that they do and represent. There are areas that have seen a real positive shift and as a community we should be thankful. DEFGLIS holds great value to the community but more importantly provides a platform that can be visible from the outside whilst empowering those within to become brave and courageous in presenting who they authentically are. Rachael believes that DEFGLIS plays a vital role in the support and success of our members in their defence and veteran journey.

Rachael is extremely proud to be the current DEFGLIS President and is excited to be able to represent and outwardly speak on her lived experiences as being lesbian in the ADF, a leader of the community and advocate to all that find it hard to have their voices heard. Rachael says that this is a privilege that should never be misused or ill employed.

Rachael has since retired from full-time military service; they now hold the position of Senior Veteran Advisor to the Repatriation Commissioner for the Department of Veteran Affairs. Rachael pursued and work diligently to ensure that they had a positive transition. Rachael is honoured to be able to continue to be the President of DEFGLIS and balance that with the needs and challenges of their new role in the greater veteran community. With their depth in military experience this has placed them well to continue to support and share their story.