WILD Supports Transgender Athletes

In 2011, the NCAA enacted policies to ensure that transgender athletes can compete in the gender category that they identify by. One on a short list of openly transgender swimmers in the NCAA is Schuyler Bailar. Now a Harvard graduate, Bailar started on the women’s team. As he transitioned from a woman to a man, he found his coaches, teammates, parents and Korean grandparents were all extremely supportive. Bailar told the Harvard Gazette, “They always led with love,” he said. “They haven’t always understood everything but have always said, ‘We love you and we’re going to figure it out together.’ That’s the most important thing a parent can do, love their kids first.”

At WILD (and USA Swimming too!), we respect anyone’s gender identity and expression (not sure of the difference? Click here.) and believe that everyone has the right to compete in the gender category that they identify with. If you’re struggling with gender identity, check out the resources listed under our Athletes category. Parents, not sure how to help your child when it comes to gender identity or gender expression? Click here for a resource that may help!