I first realized my participation in athletics as a trans girl was a question when I was going into sixth grade, at 11 years old. I was getting ready to sign up for my first season of track when my mom told me a West Virginia bill could mean I wouldn’t be allowed to play. I’m from a family of runners, but in junior high, my track coach encouraged me to try shot put and discus. She brought me over to the practice area and everybody was just super-friendly. It felt like a really nice community.
It’s very hard to learn that some people think it’s wrong for you to do the things you love.
