OutKick attends Dodgers-sponsored awards show honoring trans swimmer Lia Thomas: Here's what happened

Lia Thomas, a trans swimmer who made headlines last year for competing in women's sports, has resurfaced at a high-profile awards show sponsored by the Los Angeles Dodgers. At the Violet Visionary Awards in Los Angeles on Thursday night, Thomas, 26, was honored with the "Voice of Inspiration Award" for her advocacy as a trans woman in sports.

Thomas, who was born William Thomas and competed on the men's team at the University of Pennsylvania before transitioning to compete as a woman, wore a purple dress and stilettos to the event. She spoke passionately about her journey, crediting mentors who helped her reconcile her identity with athletics and finding purpose as a trans advocate.

Thomas expressed gratitude for organizations like Rainbow Labs, which support trans activists and athletes, saying they provided her with vital resources during difficult times, including harassment and messages of violence on social media. She also thanked those who have been part of her journey, stating that she had "to be the next beacon in a line of torches going back hundreds of years of trans people."

The event, which drew attention to LGBT activism, included speakers who highlighted the struggles faced by trans athletes and advocates. OutKick's Riley Gaines, who competed against Thomas in women's sports, has been vocal about her concerns regarding the inclusion of trans athletes.

Thomas' presence at the event sparked controversy over the issue of transgender athletes competing in women's sports, with nearly 70 percent of Americans opposing it. Despite this, Thomas remains undeterred, stating that finding a platform as an influential trans figure is "my purpose."

The awards show also featured speakers from the LA Football Club group, who expressed their commitment to supporting queer folks within the Los Angeles community and promoting acceptance and inclusivity.

Thomas' speech was met with applause from the crowd, although it's unclear how much support she received from Dodgers officials or other sponsors of the event. The organization has not publicly commented on Thomas' presence at the awards show.

I don’t usually comment but... I think Lia Thomas is a great example of someone who isn't afraid to be themselves and speak out about what's important to them. She's been through so much already, from transitioning to competing in sports to facing harassment on social media, and yet she still manages to inspire others with her story. It's really admirable that she's found a platform as an influential trans figure and is using it to promote acceptance and inclusivity. I also appreciate how she gave credit to the organizations that supported her during difficult times - it's not always easy to talk about our struggles, but it can make a big difference when we're willing to share our experiences with others.

I feel bad for Riley Gaines, I get that she's got concerns about trans athletes but can't we just talk about this without making it so dramatic? Like, Lia is just trying to live her truth and find a sense of community. And honestly, wouldn't you want to see more trans people represented in sports and using their platform for good? I'm all about promoting acceptance and inclusivity, especially at events like this . It's not an easy conversation to have, but maybe we can try to find common ground instead of pitting people against each other .

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole trans athlete thing... I think it's great that Lia Thomas is out there being her authentic self and using her platform to help others. I mean, we need more people like her who aren't afraid to speak their truth. The fact that she's getting recognition for her advocacy is awesome, but at the same time, it feels like this conversation is still super polarized... like, how can you support someone just because they're trans? And I'm all for intersectionality, so I think it's cool that she mentioned organizations that help trans people in sports. But, honestly, I don't know where to go on this one. Part of me wants to be like "let Lia compete" but another part is like "but what about the women who are being unfairly pitted against her?" Guess we'll just have to agree to disagree...

‍ can't help but feel like this whole thing is just a PR stunt to get more eyeballs on the LA Dodgers' sponsorship deal . I mean, Lia Thomas is all about being the "Voice of Inspiration" and finding her purpose, but what about when she's not? Does that purpose just magically disappear or do we have to keep throwing money at her to keep the narrative going?

Ugh, I'm so over people being all worked up about Lia Thomas competing in women's sports . Like, what's the big deal? She's just trying to live her best life and be true to herself. And honestly, I feel bad for Riley Gaines for having a different opinion - it's not like she's out to get Thomas or anything . But at the same time, I do think it's kinda problematic that some people are against trans athletes competing in women's sports. Like, isn't equality and inclusivity what we're all about? Can't we just let everyone play by their own rules without judging them? And btw, Thomas' outfit was on point . She totally slayed the purple dress game !

I THOUGHT IT WAS AWESOME TO SEE LIA THOMAS GETTING THAT VOICE OF INSPIRATION AWARD , ESPECIALLY SINCE SHE'S BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH FOR JUST BEING HERSELF. I MEAN, IT'S NOT EASY FIGHTING FOR INCLUSION AND ACCEPTANCE, ESPECIALLY IN SPORTS. BUT SHE'S PROVING THAT EVEN WHEN PEOPLE AREN'T READY TO SEE YOU, YOUR VOICE STILL MATTERS .

IT'S SO IMPORTANT FOR US TO BE SUPPORTIVE OF TRANSGENDER ATHLETES LIKE LIA AND CREATE A SPACE WHERE THEY CAN COMPETE WITHOUT FEAR OF HARASSMENT OR INTIMIDATION. IT'S NOT ABOUT TAKING AWAY OPPORTUNITIES FROM OTHERS, BUT RATHER ABOUT GIVING PEOPLE THE CHANCE TO BE THEMSELVES AND SHOWCASE THEIR SKILLS .

I'M GLAD TO SEE THAT THERE ARE STILL SO MANY PEOPLE LIKE LIA WHO ARE WILLING TO STAND UP FOR WHAT THEY BELIEVE IN, EVEN IF IT MEANS GOING AGAINST THE CROWD. WE SHOULD ALL TAKE A PAGE OUT OF HER BOOK AND BE MORE OPEN-MINDED AND ACCEPTING OF OTHERS .

You know what struck me about Lia Thomas's speech ? It's like, on one hand, you gotta admire her conviction and purpose – it's not easy being a trans woman in sports, especially when there are still so many people who don't understand or accept your identity. But at the same time, I'm left wondering... is she doing this for herself, or is she doing it for all the others out there who might feel like they can't speak up?

I mean, think about it – what does it say when someone says we need to be the "next beacon in a line of torches going back hundreds of years of trans people"? Does that mean we're just perpetuating this cycle of suffering and marginalization? Or is she trying to spark something new, something that will break down these barriers once and for all?

It's like, I don't have all the answers, but what I do know is that conversations like this one are super important. We need to be having these kinds of discussions, challenging our assumptions and pushing ourselves to be more empathetic and understanding. So yeah, Lia Thomas might be stirring up some controversy, but maybe that's exactly what we need right now – a little bit of tension to shake things up .

Ugh just saw that Riley Gaines is still going on about that whole trans athlete controversy... like, move on . And now Lia Thomas is getting all this attention again for her advocacy work... good for her? I guess. It's a step in the right direction or whatever . But seriously though, have you seen the numbers on the trans athlete thing? Like 70% of Americans are opposed to it . Not exactly an encouraging sign for progress. And what about all the harassment and messages of violence that Lia Thomas faced online? Did anyone do anything to help her or was she just "finding a platform" as if being a victim wasn't already exhausting .

OMG can't believe the drama , so many ppl opposing trans athletes competing in women's sports? like what's next? are we gonna have a separate league for cis people only? and Riley Gaines is all up in arms about it? girl bye , Thomas is killing the game with her activism and inspiring others to be themselves. Violet Visionary Awards tho, that dress tho

so liia thomas is basically a hero to some people but others are all salty about her competing in women's sports like what even is the issue here? she's just trying to live her best life and be an inspiration to trans kids everywhere anyway, it's kinda cool that she got that award but at the same time, it's like a total publicity stunt outkick's riley gaines was literally talking trash about liia on tv and now liia is just over here being all calm and collected guess who's winning this drama battle?

I think it's so dope to see Lia Thomas being honored for her bravery and advocacy . She's a total rockstar for using her platform to uplift trans athletes and create a more inclusive space in sports . It's crazy how polarizing this issue can be, but at the end of the day, it's all about love, acceptance, and equality . I'm loving the message of hope and resilience that Lia shared on stage - we need more leaders like her who aren't afraid to speak truth to power . Can we get a 'Lia for President' movement going?

I'm torn about this whole thing... On one hand, Lia Thomas is using her platform to raise awareness and promote acceptance for trans athletes, which is super important . Her story is inspiring and a great reminder that everyone deserves a chance to pursue their passions, regardless of their identity. But on the other hand, it's hard not to think about all the pushback she gets from people like Riley Gaines... I mean, can't we just find a way to coexist and respect each other's differences? It feels like there's always someone trying to tear down another person's identity, instead of lifting them up. I guess what I'm saying is that it's complicated, and we need more empathy and understanding in our conversations .

omg can we pls just focus on Lia Thomas being an INSPIRATION ? I know people are gonna keep talking about the whole trans athlete debate, but honestly, it's like, she's been through so much already and still manages to be this radiant beacon of hope . And can we please give props to Rainbow Labs for being a lifeline for trans activists and athletes like her? I'm all for having respectful conversations about the issue, but at the end of the day, Lia Thomas is not just fighting for herself, she's fighting for ALL the marginalized communities out there . And can we pls celebrate her journey, rather than tearing each other down over it?

I gotta say, it's kinda wild to see Lia Thomas gettin' recognition for just bein herself and speakin' out about trans rights in sports . It's like, people are still tryin' to debate whether or not trans athletes should be allowed to compete, but at the end of the day, it's all about equality and respect . Thomas is an inspiration, plain and simple – she's breakin' barriers and showin' us that there's more than one way to be strong . It's time we just accept each other for who we are, sports or not

I'm still shaking my head over this whole thing... I mean, I get that Lia Thomas is passionate about her cause and all, but it's just wild to think that a majority of Americans (like 70%!) are against trans athletes competing in women's sports . And now she's got a ton of people saying she should be praised for being a "voice of inspiration"... I guess that's just the way things go sometimes, but it feels like this conversation is never gonna get solved .

Can you imagine being in her shoes? I mean, Lia Thomas has been through so much already just to be recognized for who she is and what she's fighting for. It's crazy how one person can make such a big impact with their voice. I love that she was able to thank all the people who've supported her on her journey - it's clear she knows the value of community .

And yeah, I get why some people might be hesitant about trans athletes competing in women's sports. It's a lot to unpack and consider. But at the end of the day, isn't that what sports are all about? Embracing diversity and pushing ourselves beyond our limits?

For me, it's all about treating everyone with respect and kindness, no matter what their identity or background is. And if Lia Thomas can inspire others to do the same, then I'm totally here for it

you know when people say we gotta be brave enough to stand up for what we believe in, even if it means being different? Lia Thomas is like that she's not just fighting for her own rights as a trans woman, but also for others who might be feeling marginalized or excluded. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there and face controversy head-on the thing is, sometimes being in the spotlight isn't about getting attention, it's about making a difference Thomas' story can inspire us all to stand up for what we care about, even if it means going against the status quo

I got to think about this whole thing... I mean, Lia Thomas is just doing her thing and inspiring people, but it's crazy how some people still have issues with trans athletes competing in women's sports . Like, can't we just focus on being inclusive and accepting? It's not like she's hurting anyone by wanting to compete and represent herself. And honestly, I think Riley Gaines' concerns are a bit misplaced - she was the one who had an issue with being excluded from women's sports because of her identity, right?

I also love how Lia Thomas is using her platform to advocate for trans rights and support organizations that help people like her . It's so refreshing to see someone in a position of influence using their voice for good . And the fact that she got the "Voice of Inspiration Award" is just amazing - she truly is inspiring a lot of people, especially young trans folks who might be feeling lost or uncertain about themselves .

Anyway, I'm glad Lia Thomas was at that awards show and got to share her story with so many people . Maybe it'll help change some minds and make the world a more inclusive place

I gotta say, I'm not buying into all this fuss around Lia Thomas competing in women's sports . I mean, I get it, she's a talented athlete and all that, but I think we're getting a little carried away with the 'inclusion' train . What about the rights of cis female athletes? Are they just gonna be pushed to the side like they're not important anymore? It feels like another example of identity politics gone wild . And what's with Riley Gaines being vocal about it? Isn't she worried that if we start letting trans athletes compete, it'll be like one big, messy experiment ? I just think we need to slow down and have a more nuanced conversation about this stuff before we start handing out awards to people who aren't even sure what they believe anymore .