A player on the Canada Women's National Soccer Team has become the first openly transgender athlete to compete at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Quinn, 25, came out as transgender in September 2020, announcing that their pronouns are they/them.
On Wednesday, July 21, the athlete took to Instagram to share some of the emotions they were feeling after their team's match against FC Tokyo ended in a 1-1 draw...
Quinn said in the heartfelt post:
"The First openly trans Olympian to compete. I don’t know how to feel. I feel proud seeing 'Quinn up on the lineup and on my accreditation. I feel sad knowing there were Olympians before me unable to live their truth because of the world.
"I feel optimistic for change. Change in legislature. Changes in rules, structures, and mindsets.
"Mostly, I feel aware of the realities. Trans girls being banned from sports. Trans women facing discrimination and bias while trying to pursue their olympic dreams. The fight isn’t close to over… and I’ll celebrate when we’re all here."
Last month, Quinn took to the platform to share a picture of them smiling while holding up an armband with the transgender flag as well as their white soccer jersey with a rainbow-colored number "5" printed on the back.
The soccer star captioned the heartwarming post: "This team is hard to put into words! They have embraced change and turned into uncomfortable conversations and I love them for it. Taking home this armband because I never thought I'd see this day!!"
In the last few months, there have been a number of discussions taking place over the participation of transgender athletes in sports.
Last week, the International Olympic Committee cleared transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard to compete in Tokyo.
Earlier this month, Quinn shared their thoughts, telling Uninterrupted: "As a trans person playing in women's professional sports, my teammates are worried about how they're getting to their second jobs. They're not worrying about trans participation on their teams."
Last week, a report was released by Outsports that revealed soaring numbers where LGBTQ+ participation in the Olympic Games is concerned.
Per the report, there are at least 163 LGBTQ+ athletes competing in the Summer Games, which marks an increase from the 2016 Rio Olympics, where the total was 56, and London 2012 where the total was just 23.
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