The non-binary soccer player who is the first openly transgender athlete at the Olympics says she feels “proud” but is “aware of the facts”
The highly experienced international Quinn turned transgender in a move they described as ‘difficult and kind of bullshit’ last September, becoming the first transgender athlete to compete in the Games where Canada was competing. Draw 1-1 with hosts Japan and beat Chile. 2-1.
The 25-year-old, who was reportedly born Rebecca but is now simply known as Quinn, said she is “optimistic” for change and wants the legislature to change, “rules, structures and mindsets”.
“I am proud to see Quinn on my player list and in my accreditation,” United States Women’s National Football League star OL Reign said.
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“I am sad to find out that there were Olympians before me who were unable to live their truth because of the world.
“Most of the time, I feel aware of the facts. Trans girls are banned from playing sports. Transgender women face discrimination and prejudice while trying to achieve their Olympic dreams. Here.”
Issues regarding transgender participants in sports were a hallmark of preparation for the Games, with debate and attempts to pass laws continuing in the United States regarding the rights of transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports.
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Transitional weightlifter Laurel Hubbard, who is expected to compete in superweights at the Games, was the most prominent athlete to make headlines, with some believing the New Zealander should not be allowed to compete while others celebrated her inclusion.
“I know, for me, it’s something I’ll do again for the rest of my life,” Quinn said when they made their initial announcement.
“I want to be visible to gays who don’t see people like themselves…I know this saved my life years ago.
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“I want to challenge the cis[gender] People to be better allies. It’s a process and I know it won’t be perfect, but if I can encourage you to get started, that’s one thing. “
Among Quinn’s suggestions to her fans, the former Paris and Washington Spirit player expressed a desire to see people add their pronouns to their social media profiles, vote, and “practice using neutral pronouns with friends or in the mirror.”
They also urged people to “start catching you by making assumptions about people in public, in bathrooms, or anywhere else.”
Canada have three points and two goals better than third-placed Japan before their game against GB Team on Tuesday, where a win will ensure top spot in Group A.
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