LAFC Sponsors Violet Visionary Award, Recognizing Leah Thomas

The Los Angeles Football Club, part of Major League Soccer, co-sponsored the Violet Visionary Award event on Thursday night alongside another sports team.

During the ceremony, Leah Thomas, a former swimmer from the University of Pennsylvania, received the “Voice of Inspiration” award. This award honors individuals whose experiences and actions ignite hope and courage within the LGBTQ+ community.

Thomas, who is a transgender woman, notably won the women’s national title in 2022. This victory initiated a broader dialogue on the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports.

At the event, which was also backed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, neither team commented on their perspectives regarding Thomas’ recognition when approached by media outlets.

However, a representative from LAFC, Daisy Chavez, attended an event and expressed strong support for the LGBTQ community, stating, “We are a community of queer fans, local leaders, supporters, and activists of the Los Angeles Football Club. We’ve always been here.” She continued, “While we cheer for our local teams, we also represent our queer people and take pride in that.”

Despite the accolades, not everyone shared the same enthusiasm about Thomas receiving the award. Riley Gaines, another swimmer who competed against Thomas, voiced her displeasure, stating, “A voice of inspiration? The only thing Will Thomas inspires is men who take everything from women—our records, our space, our opportunities—and still receive applause.” She emphasized the importance of moving past notions of courage in this context.

It’s worth noting that there are regulations in place across 29 states concerning transgender athletes in women’s and girls’ sports. In February, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at restricting transgender athletes from competing in women’s categories.