00:00Leah Thomas to receive Voice of Inspiration Award at Dodgers-sponsored LGBTQ event.
00:06Riley Gaines responds.
00:08Former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Leah Thomas, who won the 2022 NCAA Women's Swimming Championship,
00:15is set to receive the Voice of Inspiration Award at Rainbow Lab's Violet Visionary Awards on Thursday, as reported by Fox News.
00:23Thomas, a biological male who identifies as transgender, drew national attention after winning the Women's 500-Yard Freestyle Championship two years ago.
00:33The victory sparked a national debate about fairness in women's sports and transgender athlete participation.
00:39The Voice of Inspiration Award celebrates those whose stories inspire hope and courage in the LGBTQ plus community, embodying empowerment, resilience, and joy.
00:48The event aims to uplift LGBTQIA plus expression in various art forms as a revolutionary force.
00:56Sponsored by the Los Angeles Dodgers and others, these organizations declined to comment on their support for honoring Thomas.
01:03Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer who tied Thomas in the 200-yard freestyle during the 2022 championships, criticized the recognition.
01:12It's 2025, not 2020. We're done pretending that's courage.
01:16OutKick first reported Thomas' recognition amid ongoing debates about transgender athletes in women's sports.
01:24Currently, 29 states have restrictions on biological males competing in girls' sports.
01:30Earlier, President Donald Trump signed an order banning transgender athletes from female sports, promoting fairness.
01:36The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced controversy over pride-related events.
01:40In 2023, they honored the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, criticized by Catholic groups.
01:48Initially rescinding their invitation due to backlash, the team later reversed its decision.
01:54The Violet Visionary Awards occur Thursday evening in Los Angeles.
Be the first to comment