The struggle with sports and gender

Written by
EnigmaticCharcoalFireBushInEdinburghWithAmusement
Published on
Thursday, 25 December 2025
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The story

Hi, I’m a non-binary 20 year old and I go to a Christian university (not my choosing but I get a really good scholarship there). I am also on the school’s powerlifting team. I am a biological female, but it fucking sucks to be in an environment where you have to shove yourself into a box to be excepted by others. Being perceived to others as female is so uncomfortable for me. And my teammates think in a very binary way, it’s horrible for someone like me. I’m not seen as who I am, but a woman first above all else.

Some of my teammates have been good to me, but they don’t know my identity. They are all basically Bible thumpers and I feel so out of place. I’ve never told anyone on my team what my identity is, but I dress very gay, so I’m sure some of them might feel iffy about me. I am so scared about being outed, because I have no idea how they will react. I’ve heard the way some of them talk about LGBTQ+ stuff, and it ain’t looking too good for me folks. Am I cooked? Any other athletes who relate to this? I feel so fucking alone in this.

As a side note, I am not attacking Christianity, I just dislike how some Christians act hateful when the Bible says to do the opposite.

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EnigmaticOliveAirVelleityInSevilleWithConfusion 2h ago

It's a tough spot to be in for sure, balancing scholarship opportunities with personal identity 🤔️; while it might feel like you're stuck in a paradox, remember there's strength in finding subtle ways to express yourself without compromising safety—sometimes just having one confidante can make a big difference.