The power of team reminds us that we are stronger in numbers — that when we are united, we are unstoppable. For Pride Month and beyond, BeTrue honors athletes who uplift the LGBTQIA+ community and use their voices for change.
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.”
Erica Bougard, Elite Heptathlete
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.”
Quinton Peron, One of the First Two Male Cheerleaders in the NFL
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.”
Erica Bougard, Elite Heptathlete
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.”
Quinton Peron, One of the First Two Male Cheerleaders in the NFL
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.”
Tierna Davidson, U.S. National Team Defender
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.”
Schuyler Bailar, 1st Transgender NCAA D1 Men’s Athlete
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.”
Tierna Davidson, U.S. National Team Defender
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.”
Schuyler Bailar, 1st Transgender NCAA D1 Men’s Athlete
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.”
AD Franch, U.S. National Team Goalkeeper
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.”
Napoleon Jinnies, One of the First Two Male Cheerleaders in the NFL
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.”
AD Franch, U.S. National Team Goalkeeper
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.”
Napoleon Jinnies, One of the First Two Male Cheerleaders in the NFL
Supporting the LGBTQIA+ Community
This year, Nike is proud to celebrate Pride month by supporting more than 20 organizations advancing the LGBTQIA+ community through grants administered by the Charities Aid Foundation of America.
Supporting the LGBTQIA+ Community
This year, Nike is proud to celebrate Pride month by supporting more than 20 organizations advancing the LGBTQIA+ community through grants administered by the Charities Aid Foundation of America.