Navy SEAL who helped kill bin Laden is now having a hissy fit over a drag queen

While Joshua Kelley was stationed abroad with the U.S. Navy, they performed in drag to boost the morale of their fellow sailors on the USS Ronald Reagan in Yokosuka, Japan.

“My biggest performances here are the lip sync competitions we hold to build up morale,” Kelley told NBC News in 2018. “Once I made it into the (lip sync competition’s) finals, I asked to perform every night.”

Earlier this year, the Navy named Kelley, who identifies as non-binary and performs under the drag name “Harpy Daniels,” as one of its five new digital ambassadors. Part of a pilot project, ambassadors were asked to chronicle their journeys on social media.

Kelley runs active TikTok and Instagram accounts, boasting nearly 61,000 followers on the former. From October-March, Kelley, often wearing their uniform, posted photos and videos about their experience as an out person in the U.S. Military.

Many of the videos were heartfelt. Earlier this year, for example, Kelley spoke about their appreciation when a commanding officer asked about their preferred pronouns.

“He asked me what my pronouns were, and I thought it was incredible to see that inclusion and change,” said Kelley. “To be seen. And I think it’s so important for that, because it shows the change physically. I’m experiencing it, and I hope everybody else does.”

@harpydaniels

There is good leadership, and those willing to learn and accept us! To be seen and heard means so much! Thank you CMC! Your Shipmate YN2! #fyp #military #lgbt

? original sound – Harpy Daniels

Seems pretty nice, right?! Kelley posted many more TikToks about their real experience in the Navy.

@harpydaniels

As admin, I know we all had this thought once or twice. ? Keep Smiling it gets hell of a lot better!??

? dumb dumb – sped up – mazie

@harpydaniels

Never forget who you are! mental health is so important. we’ve lost 3 sailors in the last few weeks all from the same command. it’s ok to not be ok, we are here for you! #fyp #military #mentalhealth

? Originalton – ??

@harpydaniels

Quotas are out and results will be November 22nd. Best of luck to all who took the exam! Fingers crossed yall, 4th times the charm for YN1!! ?Have a great weekend. #fyp #military #Navy

? original sound – A24

@harpydaniels

Breaking the cycle of toxic Bad Leadership. When there’s no one to be the Leader you need, become the Leader others Deserve! The Navy is changing and im proud to be apart of that change! #fyp #military #lgbt

? original sound – Claudia Alende

@harpydaniels

Getting Ready for the command Holiday Party!?????#fyp #military #lgbtq

? RABBIT HOLE – Qveen Herby

Kelley’s TikToks depict an out and proud member of the U.S. Military who’s serving their country and living their best life as their true self. Who could be opposed to that? “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was abolished more than a decade ago!

Well, if you guessed the same people who threw a monthlong tantrum over Dylan Mulvaney partnering with Bud Light, you would be correct!

Robert O’Neill, who was part of the Navy SEAL team that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011, said he now regrets his service.

“Alright. The U.S. Navy is now using an enlisted sailor Drag Queen as a recruiter. I’m done. China is going to destroy us. YOU GOT THIS NAVY. I can’t believe I fought for this bull****,” he tweeted.

Other right-wing flamethrowers have launched their salvos, too.

And Kelley is shutting them down one by one. Over the last couple of days, Kelley has responded to some of the trolls, exposing their ignorance.

@harpydaniels

Replying to @gaithermitchellmo I don’t stand for bullies, I hope this person gets the help they need! #fyp #military #lgbt #miltok

? original sound – Harpy Daniels

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Harpy Daniels ⚓👑 (@harpy_daniels)

@harpydaniels

Tust in yourself, and shine bright!? We will always find a way to be ourselves! #fyp #lgbt #military #miltok #drag

? TRUSTFALL – P!NK

As P!NK says, trust yourself, and you will shine bright. Kelley certainly has that part down.

Sister, slay!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Harpy Daniels ⚓👑 (@harpy_daniels)

The Navy, to its credit, is sticking by Kelley. A Navy spokesperson told Fox News the digital ambassadorship program was conceived to counteract the “most challenging recruiting environment” the Navy has faced since the “start of the all-volunteer force.”

To reach new recruits, the Navy decided to enlist Kelley. Their campaign showed an inclusive side of the military that often gets overlooked.

It seems like Kelley accomplished their mission.

Scroll down for some more TikToks of the lovely Harper Daniels…

@harpydaniels

Replying to @void2ol oh no. #fyp #lgbt #drag

? Oh No Im devastated – jonscottwontstop

@harpydaniels

? Minute Maid Buss – KentoLit56

@harpydaniels

Yyyyyaaaaaa! #fyp #drag #lgbt #comedy

? original sound – The Zoe Roe Show

@harpydaniels

And stay mad about it!?? #fyp

? original sound – rockstarjas

Related:

US Navy’s drag sweetheart Harpy Daniels has a message for critics: “Haters only hate when we’re winning!”

“You don’t scare me and you won’t stop the LGBTQ+ community.”