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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: Black Pride Opening Reception

Durand Bernarr headlines program

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Durand Bernarr performs at the 2026 DC Black Pride Opening Reception on Friday, May 22. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The DC Black Pride Opening Reception was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Friday, May 22. Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr was the headline performer. Comedian Anthony Oakes was the host. Speakers included Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson and Center For Black Equity President Kenya Hutton, as well as speakers from health organizations and sponsors. The event featured performances from Billy the Goat, Jay Columbus, Akeem Woods, Rue Pratt, Be Steadwell and Bennu Byrd.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: Black Pride Pageant and Unity Ball

Back-to-back events held on first night of D.C. Black Pride

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The 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Schackelford)

The Mr. and Miss DC Black Pride Pageant was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. Following the pageant, Black Pride events continued with the 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

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PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards

D.C.-area productions honored at Theatre Washington’s annual ceremony

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The 42nd Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 18. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Theatre Washington’s 42nd Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 18.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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