Trailblazing Athlete Chris Mosier Advocates for Transgender Rights
June 25, 2021
In recognition of International Pride Month, this June we’re spotlighting some of the incredible organizations and individuals in our network working to achieve equal justice and equal opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community. Today, we feature trailblazing athlete, TransAthlete.com Founder and Beyond Sport Ambassador, Chris Mosier.
Currently, in multiple states across the US, there has been a wave of anti-transgender bills being introduced and enacments of anti-trans legistlation that are targeting participation in sport. Advocacy groups are calling it a record-breaking year for such legislation.
One person who has long been advocating for transgender and LGBTQ+ rights is Chris Mosier, a 6x Team USA member (Triathlon), coach and the founder of TransAthlete.com, a resource for students, athletes and coaches to find information about transgender inclusion in athletics at various levels of play.
“This year, 75 bills have been introduced to ban kids who are like me from playing sports, and I have been leading efforts to stop them. Bills have been enacted in eight states this year, making nine states that now ban trans youth from playing sports with their friends. For every speaking event or workshop I'm doing in June, I'll be doing two free sessions for youth in states where anti-trans bills have passed.”
Athlete activism has been around for generations, but last year and currently, it has spiked to new levels as spotlights on systemic racism, discrimination and inequalities in society also rose to new levels.
“I believe sport is a vehicle for social change. Activism has been closely linked with athletes for decades, and today's athletes have taken athlete activism to a new level. Athletes of all levels have platforms, and it has been exciting to see athletes using their platforms to bring awareness to social issues and inspire action.”
In 2020, Chris made history by becoming the first transgender athlete to compete in the Olympic Trials in the gender with which they identify. Prior to that, in 2015, he became the first openly trans man to make a Men's US National Team. Following the national championship race, he was instrumental in getting the International Olympic Committee policy on transgender athletes changed, and in June 2016, he became the first transgender athlete to compete in a world championship race under the new rules.
When asked how the sport for social change sector needs to support and promote LGBTQ rights, Chris explains that sport organizations should operate as though they have LGBTQ people as part of their organizations already. “A good starting point for any organization is the terminology and understanding the basic concepts around LGBTQ identity. A good next step is reviewing your systems and processes to ensure LGBTQ, and specifically trans and non-binary athletes are welcomed and embraced.”
“It is important to remember that queer people play sports for the same reasons as anyone else - because we love the game, and we love the benefits sports provide in terms of community building and providing a sense of belonging.”
Becoming the first openly transgender athlete on Team USA was a huge deal for Chris. Being able to represent his country at the highest level in his sport was a dream come true as well as a huge moment for the LGBTQ+ community. He is currently training for a world championship race with Team USA and is excited to represent the United States as an openly transgender athlete.
“It was a big part of what I hope to leave behind as a legacy. I want every athlete to have the opportunity to be their authentic self and continue to play the sports they love. I want every other trans athlete to know there is a place for them in sport. I know when we see our first transgender Olympian, I will be as proud as though I was there because I have worked tirelessly to make the road easier for them to navigate.”
As a result of his dedication to advancing transgender rights, Chris has become an incredible example and inspiration for future generations. “I didn't see transgender people in sport when I was younger, and definitely did not see trans men competing with men, which is what I wanted to do. I want to be the person I needed when I was younger. I want to be the role model I wish I had, and a possible model for other trans and non-binary people.”
Sport has been imperative to Chris’s self-discovery and was essential in helping him understand his identity as a transgender person. “Sport centers me, training and racing helped me through the difficult parts of my life outside of sport. Participating with men allowed me to feel like I was truly my authentic self in one of the most important areas of my life.”
Standing for the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 5: Gender Equality and 10: Reduced Inequalities, Chris loves that June is an opportunity for new allies to move into the LGBTQ+ space, and for others to reaffirm their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. However, more than a rainbow logo or Pride merch, Chris is looking for real change.
“I'm looking for meaningful action of how teams, leagues, and organizations are actively supporting the LGBTQ community year-round. Do not just limit your allyship to June. I'm queer all year and I need allies to support our community in the other 11 months of the year as well through policies and practices.”