A transgender volleyball player in Hawaii has been given the green light by USA Volleyball to compete as a woman in their sanctioned competitions.
Tia Thompson has been playing volleyball for much of her life. She has spent the last three years complying with USA Volleyball’s trans guidelines, which include hormone therapy and changing the gender on various legal documents.
Since the story of her competition approval was published on Hawaii News Now on Saturday, she has experienced a wide range of response.
“The response throughout Hawaii has been a mixed reaction,” Thompson told Outsports. "Many uneducated people do have negative comments, which I understand because of the lack of education and information that people see on trans issues.
“However I received so much support, love and well-wishes from the volleyball community, my friends and, most importantly, my family and husband.”
Thompson has competed in various tournaments not sanctioned by USA Volleyball. Earlier this year she and her team, Hawaii Titahz, traveled to compete at the Sin City Shootout in Las Vegas.
Now Thompson is taking aim at the highest level of competitions, even flirting with attempting a shot at the 2020 U.S. Olympic team.
“This is going to be wonderful journey,” Thompson said. “I am living my truth, and if this can help other trans athletes, then it's worth it.”
You can find Tia Thompson on Facebook.
