The 2020 Tokyo Olympics made history in many ways, but there's one way that stands out to me the most. It was the first time a transgender athlete competed in the Olympics. Not only one, but two: Laurel Hubbard and Quinn!
Transgender athletes have been allowed to compete in the Olympics since 2004, but this year was the first year that any openly trans athletes participated! In 2015, additional rules were put into place surrounding trans athletes. While trans men are allowed to compete in the male category without restrictions, trans women must declare that they are female and prove that they have testosterone levels below 10nmol/L for 12 months leading up to their first competition and throughout the Olympic Games.
Laurel Hubbard is a trans weightlifter from New Zealand. Though she didn't place in the 2020 Olympics, she made history as the first trans woman ever to compete in the Olympic Games.
After competing, she said, "Of course, I'm not entirely unaware of the controversy which surrounds my participation in these Games. And, as such, I'd particularly like to thank the IOC, for, I think, really affirming their commitment to the principles of Olympism, and establishing that sport is something for all people. It is inclusive. It is accessible." Her participation and advocacy will surely pave the way for future trans athletes and Olympians!
Quinn, who uses a mononym, is a 25-year-old nonbinary midfielder for the Canadian women's soccer team. They came out publicly in September 2020 having already had experience winning bronze in the 2016 Rio Olympics and playing professionally for OL Reign in the National Women's Soccer League. They officially became the first transgender Olympian to win a medal when they won gold with their team in a victorious finals game against Sweden.
This wasn't the beginning of Quinn's involvement in LGBTQ+ rights and the community. While studying at Duke University in North Carolina, they were involved in Athlete Ally, an organization whose goal is for people of all genders and sexualities to be able to play sports. They have been an advocate for a long time and said to CBC Sports that, "Athletics is the most exciting part of my life and it brings me the most joy. If I can allow kids to play the sports they love, that's my legacy and that's what I'm here for."
These athletes are role models to all trans people who want to get involved in sports or simply want to reach the next level in whatever they do. It is often hard to find transgender athletes in the media to look up to with all of the stigma, stereotypes, and hate. Laurel and Quinn are trans athletes who are advocating for equality and encouraging others to join them!
