Trans women are largely erased in sports. Shout out to @BritneyStinson, who in 2015 was an out profession trans athlete playing in pro women's team sports. edgemedianetwork.com/news/sports//1…
For Britney, it wasn't about fame, money, or being a role model - it was about playing the game she loves & being herself at the same time. She was open about her identity, but didn't push for media coverage; she simply inspired others by being herself and living her life.
And in 2015, @BritneyStinson probably wasn't even the first trans athlete to play as a professional in a team sport - but she's the first I know of ever.
We need to stop writing over the narratives of transgender women & give them their respect, particularly in breaking ground. Britney quietly broke ground as a professional athlete who was transgender over 3 years ago & deserves her rightful place in our queer sports history.
Now, we have young trans women who play college sports who could potentially move to pro ranks. We have policy at the international level that, while not great, do allow trans women to compete in the Olympics. Trans girls have examples & can see a future for themselves in sport.
I am not perfect, but I refuse to be a man who does not acknowledge the incredible women who are in this movement for inclusion in sport.
I'd love to meet Rene Richards to say thank you for being you. I appreciate @MianneBagger for her athletic career & her advocacy now.
I love @fallonfox for her strength in the ring & outside, when she was outted in 2013. And @ChloieJonsson for her strength at the bar, before and after Crossfit banned her from competing.
Point is, history is important. Very few people are making new wheels - we're simply ignorant of the existence of those who rolled through before us.
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...sounds like a new history thread is coming to my feed soon...
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...sounds like a new history thread is coming to my feed soon...
