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Nike airs first ad starring transgender athlete

triathlete bikes, runs in new commercial

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Nike, Chris Mosier, gay news, Washington Blade
(Screenshot via YouTube)

(Screenshot via YouTube)

Nike aired an ad starring Chris Mosier, the first transgender athlete on the U.S. team, during the Rio Olympics coverage on Monday night. This is the first time a transgender athlete has been the face of the brand’s advertising.

The 30-second commercial has a narrator, voiced by Oscar Isaac, following the triathlete around as he trains for the U.S. men’s national team. The narrator asks questions such as “How did you know you’d be fast enough to compete against men?” and “How’d you know the team would accept you?”

“I didn’t,” Mosier constantly replies.

“Everything that I’ve done in the last five, six years since I started to transition, has been with [a] ‘Just Do It’ mindset,” Mosier said in a statement. “I didn’t know if I would be competitive against men; I just did it. Every success that I’ve had since then has shown me that anything is really possible. By not stopping myself, not limiting myself and just really going for it, I’ve learned a lot about myself and also had the opportunity to further the conversation on trans inclusion in sports.”

The ad is part of Nike’s “Unlimited” campaign which follows professional athletes and everyday people on their journeys.

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PHOTOS: Equality Prince William Pride

Fifth annual LGBTQ celebration held in Manassas, Va.

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Mayor of Manassas Michelle Davis-Younger, center, cuts the ribbon to open Equality Prince William Pride at Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Shackelford)

Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party

Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser

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Ashley Biden accepts an award on behalf of her brother, Beau Biden, at the Washington Blade's Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach, Del. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.

(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)

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PHOTOS: Taste of Point

Annual fundraiser supporting LGBTQ youth scholarships and mentorships held at Room & Board

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Taste of Point was held at Room & Board on Wednesday, May 13. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Point Foundation held the annual Taste of Point fundraiser at Room & Board on Wednesday, May 13.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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