Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas to receive ‘Voice of Inspiration’ Award at Dodgers-sponsored event
Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, who won the 2022 NCAA women’s championship, is set to receive the Voice of Inspiration Award at Rainbow Labs’ Violet Visionary Awards. The event, sponsored by the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Football Club, honors individuals and organizations that embody empowerment, resilience, and joy through LGBTQ+ expression. The recognition has sparked mixed reactions, with some criticizing Thomas’ participation in women’s sports as controversial.
The award honors an individual whose story and actions ignite hope and courage within the LGBTQ+ community, according to Rainbow Labs’ website. Thomas’ 2022 national title sparked nationwide backlash and has become a focal point in the debate over transgender athlete participation in girls’ and women’s sports. Riley Gaines, a former swimmer who competed against Thomas and tied with her at the national tournament, voiced her disapproval. She called the award a ‘voice of inspiration’ and argued that it inspires only those who believe trans athletes can take opportunities from women.
Thomas’ recognition at the event has drawn attention to the broader cultural and political debates surrounding transgender athletes. The Los Angeles Dodgers, a sponsor of the event, previously honored the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group of anti-Catholic drag ‘nuns,’ with their Community Hero Award in 2023. The original invitation was withdrawn after backlash, but it was later reinstated, and the team issued an apology. Twenty-nine states have implemented regulations regarding transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports, and President Donald Trump signed an executive order restricting their participation in female competitions in February.
Despite the controversy, the event aims to celebrate LGBTQ+ leaders, mentors, and changemakers who are ‘lighting the way for the next generation.’ The Violet Visionary Awards aim to uplift the power of LGBTQIA+ expression – in fashion, art, dance, voice, and story – as a revolutionary force fueling queer joy and collective freedom. The event will also honor organizations that promote empowerment and resilience within the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting a broader effort to support and celebrate queer voices in various cultural and social contexts.
As the topic continues to evolve, the debate over transgender athlete participation in women’s sports remains a contentious issue. While some supporters celebrate Thomas’ achievements as a landmark in LGBTQ+ rights, others argue that the issue of fair competition cannot be ignored. The recognition of Thomas at the Violet Visionary Awards highlights the ongoing cultural tensions and the diverse perspectives within the community regarding the role of trans athletes in competitive sports.