Miscellaneous
A conversation on identity and activism with Schuyler Bailar, former Harvard men's swimmer and the first trans athlete to compete for an NCAA Division I men’s team. Schuyler became the only trans athlete to compete on a Division I men’s team for all four years, graduating in 2019. He has since become a leading advocate for trans rights, mental health and inclusion in sports, and is a motivational speaker, author and so much more. RISE's Ian Cutler and Jared Shanker speak with Schuyler about fighting against anti-trans legislation in states across the country and the ways he uses his platform to educate on the trans experience and the importance of inclusivity. That includes his appearance in RISE's Champions of Change virtual experience, which highlights Schuyler's story and was featured during the USA Swimming Olympic Trials leading up to Tokyo 2020. We also speak with Schuyler about identity and its multifaceted nature, covering his personal experience through his transition and as a Korean American. We later dive deeper into the subject of identity with RISE’s Dr. Collin Williams Jr. in a new segment, “Let’s Talk About,” where we feature RISE’s definitions of key diversity concepts. Episode Breakdown: Background and Transitioning (2:00)Importance of a strong support system for LGBTQ Youth (5:26)Finding your true self – gains and losses (7:23)Trans men competing with cis men (9:42) Being the first (10:36)NCAA policy on trans athletes (12:15)How to build an inclusive culture and support trans athletes (17:56)Burden of being the first and inspiring others (20:14)“Let’s Talk About: Identity” with RISE’s Dr. Collin Williams Jr. (22:42)Identity and intersectionality – being trans and Korean American (24:08)Fighting anti-trans bills – learn more at pinkmantaray.com/transathlete (29:32) Athlete Activism and how he effectively uses his platform (34:50)Advice for young people struggling with identity (38:00)