Former University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) trans swimmer Lia Thomas received the Voice of Inspiration Award at the Dodgers-sponsored Rainbow Labs’ Violet Visionary Awards.
The awards, which took place on Thursday (16 October), honoured Thomas with the Voice of Inspiration award, which honours “an individual whose story and actions ignite hope and courage within the LGBTQ+ community,” according to Rainbow Labs’ website.
The former UPenn swimmer made history in 2022 as the first trans woman to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association swimming championship.
Since then, Thomas has become a prominent figure in the war on trans athletes, and is currently barred from competing in women’s elite events under World Aquatics’ transgender eligibility rules. In addition, her swimming records have been erased by the university.
The annual event, which is sponsored by both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Football Club, “honors individuals and organizations that embody the spirit of empowerment, resilience, and joy. We will uplift the power of LGBTQIA+ expression – in fashion, art, dance, voice, and story – as a revolutionary force fueling queer joy and collective freedom,” the site states, adding that it will celebrate “LGBTQIA+ leaders, mentors, and changemakers who are lighting the way for the next generation”.
Former swimmer turned anti-trans activist Riley Gaines, who competed against Thomas in the 200-yard freestyle final at the 2022 NCAA and tied with her for fifth place, predictably hit out at her award.
In an interview where she deadnamed Thomas, she told OutKick: “Voice of inspiration? The only people (deadname) inspires are other men who realized you can take everything from women – our records, our spaces, our opportunities – and still get a standing ovation.”
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