This trans volleyball player is set on the 2020 Olympics
A transgender volleyball player has got her sights set on the 2020 Olympics.
Tia Thompson, 32, had been playing in the men’s division of USA Volleyball.
But after applying to USAV to play in the women’s league, Thompson in January got the news that she will be allowed to do so.
“It took me three years to finally get approved with all the transitioning and hormone therapy and submitting all my paperwork to the Gender Committee,” said Thompson to NBC.
Trans players in the women’s league are required by USAV to be on hormones for at least a year and to legally change their gender.
Thompson will play in the Haili Volleyball Tournament in Hawaii later in March.
The tournament will mark the first time she plays in the women’s league.
She will also make history as the first transgender athlete to play in the Haili tournament.
Some have argued against Thompson’s inclusion in the women’s league, arguing that she will have an unfair advantage.
But she has her heart set on competing in women’s volleyball at the 2020 Olympics.
“By me coming out and opening the doors, it will get more accepted,” Thompson said.
If Thompson makes it to the 2020 games, she will be pleased to find there will be transgender-friendly toilets there.
