“For trans athletes like Lightner, safe spaces are becoming rare. In the US, conservative legislators are introducing a wave of bills to prevent trans people from playing on the correct team for their gender. As well as this, a number of global sporting bodies have effectively banned trans professional athletes from competing in women’s sports. This includes FINA, the swimming body, and World Athletics.
It’s something Lightner is counteracting through the Portland Community Football Club (PCFC), which he launched in 2013 to break the barriers to competitive athletic training and opportunity for players and coaches from diverse backgrounds. It’s also a welcoming and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ players, parents and coaches.”
Read the full article, here.
