BeTrue

When Erica Bougard isn’t conquering the seven events of the heptathlon, she’s paving the way for LGBTQIA+ youth by living her truth. “I’m going to be myself no matter what and let people know,” says Erica, now a two-time national champion. “I let the track community know that this is me, this is who I am. This is who I've always been.”

Choreographer and dancer Quinton Peron, one of the first male cheerleaders to perform during the Super Bowl, encourages the youth to be allies for one another and to follow their dreams. “Don’t try to make other people comfortable,” says Quinton. “You weren’t put on this earth to abide by somebody else's rules.”

As a center back for the U.S. Women's National Team and the Chicago Red Stars, Tierna Davidson believes that your team is your family. In her words, “Being part of a true Team means having trust and respect for each member’s authentic self.”

As a swimmer at Harvard University, Schuyler Bailar made history as the first openly transgender athlete to compete for a Division I men’s team. “Being a trans athlete is about my passion for sport,” says Schuyler, whose activism extends from the pool to over 200+ public speeches, to date. “It's about not letting anything hold me back: not other people, not injuries, not rules and definitely not my identity.”

As a goalkeeper for the U.S. Women's National Team and the Portland Thorns, Adrianna “A.D.” Franch is a backbone for her teammates. “Teams should always allow individuals to shine in their strengths and be supported, regardless of their weaknesses,” says Adrianna, who advocates for self-love, fearlessness and equal rights — on and off the field. “That’s what brings us together and moves us forward.”

Dancer Napoleon Jinnies also made history as one of the first male cheerleaders to perform during the Super Bowl. “We are all here to express our shared passion,” says Napoleon, who sees Pride Month as an opportunity to educate the youth. “If you don't have your teammates’ backs, then you're not all in.”

Supporting the LGBTQIA+ Community