Lia Thomas Honored with LGBTQ+ Award, Advocates for Trans Rights

Former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas received the prestigious Voice of Inspiration Award at the Violet Visionary Awards held on March 7, 2025, in Los Angeles. The event celebrated Thomas’s journey as a transgender woman and her ongoing advocacy for transgender rights in sports.

During the ceremony, held at the Serra on Vine, Thomas reflected on her experiences, particularly the challenges she faced in transitioning from competing on the men’s team as William Thomas to participating in women’s events. The recognition follows a period of significant backlash against her involvement in women’s sports, sparking national conversations about transgender athletes and competition fairness.

Thomas stepped onto the stage wearing a striking purple dress and stilettos, standing at approximately 6 feet 5 inches tall. After a series of drag performances and a video montage chronicling her path, she delivered an emotional acceptance speech. “Incredible shout out to everybody at Rainbow Labs for bringing me here and for putting this all together,” she began, expressing gratitude for the supportive community that has accompanied her journey.

In her address, Thomas recounted her feelings of excitement and fear at the prospect of embracing her identity. “I remember being 18 and just realizing that I’m trans… being open and out in myself felt like this impossible mountain to climb,” she said. Now 26, she credited her mentors in the transgender community who encouraged her to honor her identity within sports. “It’s only because of so many amazing trans mentors that I was able to find that strength and that courage to go out and be myself,” Thomas stated.

The event underscored the broader challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender people. Daisy Chavez, a spokesperson for the LA Football Club, emphasized the importance of community support for queer individuals, stating, “We follow sports because we’ve always been here.” This sentiment resonated throughout the evening, as speakers highlighted the resilience and contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans.

Despite the controversies surrounding her participation in women’s sports, Thomas articulated her commitment to using her platform for advocacy. “I owe so much to those mentors before me… I had to be that next beacon in a line of torches going back hundreds of years of trans people,” she remarked, affirming her mission to inspire others.

Thomas also addressed the negative experiences she has encountered online, including receiving threats and messages of violence. Reflecting on her struggles, she expressed a desire for organizations like Rainbow Labs to exist during her youth, providing resources and support to those navigating similar journeys.

The awards ceremony concluded with a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, including performances that highlighted the community’s resilience. As Thomas continues her advocacy, her journey remains a focal point in the ongoing dialogue about transgender rights in sports and beyond.

Through her activism, Lia Thomas aims to empower future generations, reinforcing the message that acceptance and understanding can pave the way for meaningful change.