Ideas worth spreading

My story of perseverance as a trans swimming champion

29,034 views | Schuyler Bailar • TEDxJHU

Schuyler Bailar thought the hardest part was over when he came out as transgender. But it turned out to be just the start of his journey toward acceptance as the first openly transgender athlete to compete on a Division 1 college men's team. In this talk, he explains what keeps him going through difficult times, whether it's a grueling practice, a potentially career-ending injury or talking to his conservative grandmother about being trans.

Schuyler Bailar thought the hardest part was over when he came out as transgender. But it turned out to be just the start of his journey toward acceptance as the first openly transgender athlete to compete on a Division 1 college men's team. In this talk, he explains what keeps him going through difficult times, whether it's a grueling practice, a potentially career-ending injury or talking to his conservative grandmother about being trans.

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxJHU, an independent event.

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About the speaker

Schuyler Bailar

Transgender Student Athlete

Schuyler Bailar is the first openly transgender athlete to compete in any sport on an NCAA Division 1 men’s team. By 15, he was one of the nation’s top 20 15-year-old breast strokers. By 17, he set a national age group record. Now he swims for Harvard University. Schuyler’s difficult choice – to transition while potentially giving up the prospect of being an NCAA Champion – was historic and timely. His story has appeared everywhere from The Washington Post to 60 Minutes and The Ellen Show. Schuyler chronicles his experiences on Instagram –@pinkmantaray – so others may explore his example in their journey.

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxJHU, an independent event.

Read more about TEDx.