Trans Athlete Joins High School Football Team

A transgender man is playing varsity running back for his high school football team in Grosse Pointe, Mich.

Sunnivie Brydum

Sunnivie is the managing editor of The Advocate, and an award-winning journalist whose passion is covering the politics of equality and elevating the unheard stories of our community. Originally from Colorado, she and her spouse now live in Los Angeles, along with their three fur-children: dogs Luna and Cassie Doodle, and "Meow Button" Tilly.

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Sunnivie Brydum

September 06 2012 5:53 PM EST

November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST

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A transgender man, a senior at Grosse Pointe South High School in Michigan, has joined his school's varsity football team, according to the school newspaper's website.

Seth Knop says he wanted to join the football team last year but was too afraid to try out. But this year he approached both varsity and junior varsity football coaches and was told that the school's athletic policy permitted coed sports teams. Knop is a running back for Grosse Pointe's varsity football team.

"The kids in my grade respect me a lot for it," said Knop of his being an out transgender athlete. "They treat me just like everybody else, which is what I wanted."

Knop said reaction has been largely supportive, even in his conservative town of 5,000. Knop's family supports his gender identity and his desire to play football, he said.

"I've been through a lot," said Knop. "A lot of people have come up to me and told me that I have courage for the things that I do. Over the years, I've just felt more and more like a role model."

Knop missed a week of play due to a concussion and might have limited time on the field this season because of veteran athletes getting preferential selection, but he says he's excited to be a part of the team.