Lia Thomas Accepts Voice of Inspiration Award Amid Activism Focus

Former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas received the prestigious ‘Voice of Inspiration Award’ at the 2025 Violet Visionary Awards in Los Angeles. The event, which took place on Thursday night, celebrated Thomas’s journey as a transgender woman and her advocacy for transgender rights in sports, amidst significant public scrutiny.

Celebrating a Journey of Acceptance

Thomas, who transitioned from William Thomas to her current identity, spoke passionately about her experiences during her acceptance speech. Dressed in a striking purple dress and stilettos, Thomas stood tall at approximately 6-foot-5 as she took the stage following a video montage showcasing her transformation from competing on the men’s team to participating as a member of the women’s team.

In her speech, Thomas expressed deep gratitude to the event’s organizers, particularly Rainbow Labs, stating, “Incredible shout out to everybody at Rainbow Labs for bringing me here and everybody and putting this all together.” She reflected on the challenges she faced while coming to terms with her identity at a young age, noting, “I remember all too well not that long ago being 18 and just realizing that I’m trans.”

Now 26 years old, Thomas recalled the excitement and fear of embracing her true self, stating, “Being open and out in myself felt like this impossible mountain to climb, and I didn’t know if I had the strength to do it.” She credited her trans mentors for encouraging her participation in women’s athletics, which she described as a crucial step in reconciling her identity as a swimmer with her gender identity.

Advocacy and Reflection

Throughout her journey, Thomas has faced substantial backlash regarding her participation in women’s sports. Despite this, she views her platform as a significant opportunity to advocate for transgender individuals. “I owe so much to those mentors before me… to be that next light for people is an honor I can’t describe,” she added, emphasizing her commitment to being a beacon of support for others in the transgender community.

During the event, other speakers highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in America, framing them as living under oppression while celebrating transgender individuals as heroes. Daisy Chavez, a spokeswoman for LA Football Club, discussed the importance of supporting queer communities, asserting, “We’ve always been here. We’ve been athletes, we’ve been fans…”

Thomas also addressed the negative reactions she has received, including messages of violence on social media. She expressed a desire for organizations like Rainbow Labs to have existed during her childhood, providing the resources and knowledge she wished she had. “It makes me very emotional because I remember all too well not that long ago being 18 and just realizing that I’m trans,” she acknowledged.

With her continued activism, Lia Thomas aims to foster understanding and acceptance of transgender athletes in sports. Her presence at the awards ceremony and her powerful message resonate within the broader context of ongoing discussions about gender identity and inclusion in athletics.

The event concluded with a performance that celebrated diversity, but also sparked conversations about the portrayal of LGBTQ+ communities. Thomas’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the ongoing fight for equality in all spheres of life.