In 2022, University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas became the first trans woman to win a D1 NCAA title. Under pressure from the Trump administration, Penn stripped Lia of that title earlier this year, and banned future trans athletes from competing. For many people, Lia has come to symbolize the heated debate over whether trans athletes should be able to compete in women’s sports.
Regardless of what side of the debate you're on, all this news hasn’t just been news to Lia. It’s been her real life, and people have long misunderstood her. In this episode, Lia sits down with host David Greene to dive into her journey: what it took for her to come out as trans in college and compete on the women’s team, while under an international microscope.
Content warning: This episode discusses mental illness and suicidal ideation. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or thoughts of suicide, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visiting 988lifeline.org.
Show Notes
- Should trans women be included in sports? With Lia Thomas | Dear Schuyler
- Fact check: Do trans women have an unfair athletic advantage? | DW
- UPenn updates swimming records to settle with feds on transgender athletes case | NPR
- What is gender dysphoria | American Psychiatric Association
- Transgender athletes face growing hostility: four tell their stories in their own words | USA Today
Show Credits
Executive Producer: Tom Grahsler
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.
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