Lia Thomas Accepts Inspiration Award, Advocates for Trans Rights

Former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas was honored with the prestigious Voice of Inspiration Award at an LGBTQ+ event held in Los Angeles on March 15, 2025. The award recognizes Thomas’s significant advocacy for transgender rights in sports, highlighting her journey from competing as a male athlete to embracing her identity as a transgender woman.

Celebrating a Journey of Advocacy

During the event, hosted at the Serra on Vine, Thomas arrived wearing a striking purple dress and high heels, standing at approximately 6 feet 5 inches tall. The evening featured performances, including two drag shows, and a video montage celebrating Thomas’s transition. This montage illustrated her path from competing on the men’s team as William Thomas to her current role in women’s competitions.

In her acceptance speech, Thomas expressed deep gratitude for the support she received throughout her journey. “Incredible shout out to everybody at Rainbow Labs for bringing me here and for putting this all together,” she said. Reflecting on her past, Thomas shared, “I remember all too well being 18 and just realizing that I’m trans. I was excited to be who I am, but terrified to take those steps.”

Mentorship as a Catalyst for Change

At 26 years old, Thomas discussed the pivotal role of mentorship in her life. She credited trans-identifying mentors for encouraging her participation in women’s athletics and helping her reconcile her identity as both a swimmer and a transgender woman. “It’s only because of so many amazing trans mentors that I was able to find that strength and courage to go out and be myself,” she noted.

Despite the backlash and controversy surrounding her achievements in the pool, Thomas emphasized the importance of her platform as an influential transgender individual. “I owe so much to those mentors before me, and it was clear that I had to be that next beacon in a line of torches going back hundreds of years of trans people,” she stated. “To be that next light for people is an honor I can’t describe.”

Throughout the evening, other speakers echoed Thomas’s sentiments, portraying LGBTQ+ individuals as resilient and advocating for greater visibility and support. Daisy Chavez, a spokeswoman for LA Football Club, spoke passionately about the importance of supporting the queer community. “Our presence with this club reminds not just the club, but the world that we’ve always been here,” she said.

As the event wrapped up, a performance that included provocative elements highlighted the evening’s celebratory yet contentious atmosphere. Thomas’s award and the discussions surrounding her experiences continue to spark conversations about transgender rights and representation in sports.

Thomas’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges and triumphs faced by transgender individuals, inspiring many to advocate for inclusivity and acceptance in all facets of life.