This episode Clayton Jay Reeves tells his inspiring life story. A trans man, athlete and advocate shares his experiences growing up in a small Iowa town, navigating the challenges of his identity, and ultimately finding community and resilience through American Ninja Warrior. Clayton discusses his difficult upbringing, the process of coming out, and his journey towards self-acceptance and advocacy. Clayton Jay Reeves appeared on seasons 17 and (soon to be) 18 of American Ninja Warrior. The episode is a testament to perseverance, the importance of representation, and the power of community support.
In this episode:
00:17 Meet Clayton Jay Reeves
02:06 Clayton's Ninja Warrior Journey
03:47 Challenges and Resilience
06:43 Coming Out and Family Dynamics
19:35 High School and Identity
30:18 Turning Pain into Motivation
39:17 Spreading Love and Acceptance
41:59 Confronting Misgendering and Leaving for Good
48:07 Building a New Life and Online Presence
01:01:31 Facing Discrimination and Finding My Voice
01:16:49 Discovering Ninja Warrior
01:21:08 Challenges and Triumphs in the Ninja Community
01:35:20 Manifesting Future Goals
01:39:19 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
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