For Layshia Clarendon, basketball was never just a game; it was a lifeline. Spanning from childhood courts to the WNBA and international competitions, sports have been everything to them. In an exclusive interview, Clarendon shared that sports have been a 'therapist, a best friend, a worst enemy...my security blanket, my identity, and everything in between.' This deep connection shaped their journey as the league's first openly nonbinary and trans player, and now fuels their mission to support others. But here's where it gets controversial... Clarendon's experiences highlight the importance of belonging, especially in spaces that celebrate diversity. 'Queer athletes have been around forever and ever and ever, and we’re not going anywhere,' Clarendon asserts, emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity. This sense of community is something Clarendon is determined to pass forward, even after their final buzzer in the WNBA in 2024.
Clarendon, a point guard who led on the court, now uses the Layshia Clarendon Foundation and key partnerships to ensure trans people of color experience the same life-changing affirmation they found in sports. For Clarendon, who played over a decade on five different WNBA teams and earned gold medals, the sense of belonging is paramount. They noted how sports often bring together people who might not otherwise connect. 'There were a lot of people I played with where it was like ‘I wouldn’t actually be your friend, but we’re teammates, so I’ve gotten to know you more than I would have,’ So, I learned a different side of them and learned how to work together with them.'
Clarendon's journey, including their top surgery, inspired them to create the Layshia Clarendon Foundation in 2021. 'Through my own experience of having top surgery and just realizing how good it felt, how it literally saved my life to feel good in my body, and [I wanted] other people to have that experience as well,' Clarendon explains. This foundation provides education, advocacy, and direct financial assistance to the trans community. This direct impact is what Clarendon values most. 'Definitely when I got the report [showing] the actual people [the foundation] impacted by giving them access to surgeries,' they say. 'We directly have a surgery fund partnered with the Oakland LGBT Center, and so folks who didn’t have the means, quite literally, to have the thousands of dollars they needed to get their gender affirming surgery, and then they got to have that because of our direct funds to them. That’s the moment I really teared up.'
And this is the part most people miss... Clarendon's experience highlights the urgent need for support, especially considering the increasing number of anti-trans bills across the U.S. According to the Trans Legislation Tracker, over 1,000 anti-trans bills have been introduced, with over 100 targeting trans athletes and over 200 restricting gender-affirming care.
However, Clarendon isn't alone. They've built a strong team, including an unexpected partner: Adidas. Featured in the Community Archives zine, Clarendon collaborates with Adidas through their Athletes For Impact arm. Adidas's commitment to social responsibility is evident in their support for the foundation. 'Adidas was like, ‘Great, say the word, what are we doing?’ They were just on board from the first moment I said I wanted to start the foundation and get the money directly, so it’s really cool to see [Adidas] putting their money and their ethics and their values where their mouth is,' Clarendon says.
So, what advice does Clarendon have for young, queer athletes? First, 'Always know: you belong in sports.' Second, 'Remember the joy of why you first stepped on the court or the field or the track, and don’t lose sight of enjoying to play.' Finally, 'Remember your why. Why are you doing it? What’s the point? Why are you stepping out there? Know your anchor and then remember that.'
What do you think about the role of sports in fostering inclusivity? Do you believe that athletes have a responsibility to advocate for social change? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
