Leah Thomas to Receive Voice of Inspiration Award

Leah Thomas, the transgender 2022 NCAA Women’s Swimming Champion, is set to receive the Voice of Inspiration Award at the Violet Visionary Awards, hosted by Rainbow Lab, this Thursday.

Her national victory ignited significant debate and is often regarded as a crucial moment in the ongoing discourse about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports.

This award highlights individuals whose experiences and actions inspire hope and courage in the LGBTQ+ community.

The annual event aims to honor those and organizations that embody empowerment, resilience, and joy, along with elevating LGBTQIA+ representation in various fields like fashion and art, as stated on their website.

However, not everyone agrees with the recognition. Riley Gaines, who tied with Thomas at a national meet, expressed her frustration. “A voice of inspiration? The only thing Will Thomas inspires is men who realize they can take everything from women,” she remarked, using Thomas’ birth name. “It’s 2025, not 2020. It’s time to stop pretending it’s courage.”

The event, which has backing from both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Football Club, has faced scrutiny. Neither organization responded when asked whether Thomas deserved to be recognized in this capacity.

Interestingly, the Dodgers had previously faced backlash when they initially honored a controversial group on Pride Night in 2023, but they later reinstated the invitation after public outcry.

Currently, twenty-nine states have enacted regulations concerning transgender athletes in women’s sports. In a notable move, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order in February prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in women’s categories.