Honor. Courage. Commitment.
Often a motto used for those serving in the military, those words describe Aaron Williams and his work for his community and country.
Williams, 37, of Neptune and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, has never hid his sexual orientation while in the military — starting from his first day of boot camp. While in the service, he was selected to participate in the Marine Corps’ first-ever Pride Panel. As a part of the panel, which was serving post-Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, he had the opportunity to speak in front of 200 newly assigned fleet Marines and share his personal experiences as an LGBTQ Marine — both the highs and the lows.
He served his country until April 2020.
At present Williams heads the Asbury Park Tennis Initiative, bringing public tennis courts to Asbury Park. That was a goal he’d held for some time, and through the initiative, Williams has big plans. He also serves on the community advisory board for Project REAL of the Visiting Nurses Association in Asbury Park.
Williams, a graduate of Monmouth University with a bachelor’s degree in health science and master’s degree in communications, shared what he’s learned from the past, and what he wants to do in the future.
How has serving in the Marine Corps shaped your life and outlook?
Aaron Williams: After earning my associate’s degree from Gloucester County Community College, I was approached by a recruiter. Taking a leap of faith, I enlisted, and on April 4, 2016, my journey officially began. Service didn’t just reshape my understanding of what it means to serve; it instilled in me a deep sense of discipline, purpose, and confidence. I developed a lasting appreciation for the strength and sacrifices of those who wear the uniform.
What was it like simultaneously serving our country and serving on the panel?
AW: To serve on the first-ever Pride Panel, to be seen and acknowledged for who I was, completely shifted my perspective. It reaffirmed how powerful it is to have structured platforms and education around diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Marine Corps. I felt incredibly proud to represent the LGBTQ+ community, especially in honor of those who had been silenced or discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” I wasn’t just speaking for myself, but for the service members who were forced to serve in secrecy or who were unjustly removed because of who they loved. My message focused on fostering unity, building healthy relationships, and emphasizing that true leadership begins with learning to respect others.
Though I shared the stage with three other Marines, and the discussion was powerful, there were unfortunately pushbacks. The base’s sergeant major reportedly didn’t see the need to promote the panel and ultimately withheld support for using the photographs that had been taken to commemorate the event. Though disheartened, I remained proud that the military was taking steps, however incremental, to embrace inclusion and celebrate the full diversity of those who serve. I never hid who I was, and my paperwork made it clear that I was married. Honestly, there wasn’t much time to think about “coming out” during boot camp. I didn’t make a formal announcement to my platoon until the very last day of training. By then, no one was surprised, especially after my husband ran up to greet me on Family Day. And in that moment, no one cared about my sexual orientation. What mattered was the bond we had built as Marines.
Heading up the Asbury Park Tennis Initiative, what propelled you to form it and what is your history with the sport?
AW: I’ve been playing tennis since the age of 7, playing with my brother and inspired by two African American sisters, Venus and Serena Williams, who were making history at the U.S. Open. Sharing the last name Williams ourselves, my brother Dana and I were quickly nicknamed the “Williams brothers.” Without any formal training, we were devoted to the game. At age 11, I played on a public court in Florida while visiting my father and had an epiphany: I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others learn and love the game, especially those in underserved communities.
I was often one of the only kids of color on the court growing up, and I wanted to help to make the sport more accessible and inclusive. I went on to play #1 singles at Pennsauken High School in Collingswood from my sophomore through senior years. After graduating, I took time off from school but stayed connected to the sport by running my hometown’s summer tennis program. That experience reignited my passion and led me back to school, where I joined the Gloucester County Community College tennis team. I eventually became team captain, helping lead the team to two NJCAA national championships.
After earning my associate’s degree in exercise science, I felt a calling to serve our country. I was prepared for my journey in service. When I returned home in 2020, I was ready to refocus and begin the next chapter and decided to launch a community tennis initiative in Asbury Park. I fostered relationships with local leaders and community members, and I knew I needed to give back through tennis.
I see so much of myself in the kids of Asbury Park. The only difference between my journey and theirs is access to opportunity. Some might say underserved communities don’t need tennis; I strongly disagree.
What are your plans for the tennis initiative?
AW: The initiative is working to build public tennis courts in Asbury Park. Once the courts are established, the initiative will offer structured after-school lessons, in partnership with existing after-school programs. In collaboration with the U. S. Tennis Association, we also plan to introduce tennis as a club sport for local youth with the long-term goal of integrating it into the high school athletic system. This will enable young athletes to compete at the varsity level. Our partnership with the Boys and Girls Club has been instrumental in shaping this vision. Growing up as a latchkey kid, I know firsthand how transformative organizations like the Boys and Girls Club can be.
Serving as an aide to Gov. Phil Murphy, what are your duties? Are there currently any initiatives that have or will benefit the LGBTQ community?
AW: As a senior aide in Labor Relations and Stakeholder Engagement Department (Outreach), I serve and connect with diverse communities across New Jersey. I oversee the Military and Veterans Affairs, Human Services, and LGBTQ+ portfolios, working closely with nonprofit organizations and government agencies to ensure that all 21 counties have access to the resources their communities need. I view this position as a representative of the state, bridging the gap between residents and the services available to them. Our mission is to ensure communities feel heard, seen, and supported.
Recently, we launched the Transgender Information Hub — a centralized, one-stop resource for individuals seeking information, support, and services related to the transgender community. The hub offers a directory of community organizations, programs, and guidance available across New Jersey, helping to make critical information more accessible and empowering.
What would you like to see happen for the LGBTQ community in the future? What do we need to instill in teens to keep activism going?
AW: I believe that we can build a society grounded in respect, dignity, and justice for all. I envision a future where no one must fight for the right to love openly or live truthfully. I’ve witnessed young people rise; organizing movements, influencing policy, and championing LGBTQ+ and human rights. Their courage gives me optimism.
