The Olympic Channel has launched a new documentary series titled “Identify” which profiles transgender athletes.
The series follows Schuyler Bailar (swimming), Harrison Browne (hockey), Chris Mosier (triathlon/duathlon), Chloe Anderson (volleyball), and Pat Manuel (boxing). The series profiles the journeys of each athlete in five separate episodes.
The series was created in partnership with Vice Media and by showcasing word-class athletes, who are determined to compete at the highest levels in sports. The creators hope to inspire others within the LGBTQ+ community to pursue their dreams and live an authentic life.
In an interview with ESPN, Greg Groggel, the director of original programming for the Olympic Channel, commented on why they chose to focus on transgender athletes. “From a sports perspective, the subject is neglected, frankly,” Groggel said. “The athletes have been profiled on a national level and by some big outlets, don’t get me wrong, but what makes this interesting is the collective vision. We’re not profiling one athlete here and one athlete there. Seeing the similarities and the differences between their personal stories is really compelling. You get a more holistic picture of what the trans community is facing, particularly in sports.”
Watch the trailer for “Identify” and link to the five episodes below.
Identify
The inspiring journey of five transgender athletes and how sport helped them find their true identity.
EP 1. THIS TRANSGENDER VOLLEYBALL PLAYER’S PATH LEADS TO AN NCAA WOMEN’S TEAM
Follows Chloe Anderson as she heads to UC-Santa Cruz and meets her new team-mates for the first time.
EP 2. FORMER OLYMPIC BOXING HOPEFUL LOOKS TO MAKE HISTORY AS A TRANS FIGHTER
Pat Manuel returned to competition after transitioning. Can he find challengers to return to the top?
EP 3. FIRST PRO TRANS ATHLETE FACES A CROSSROADS AFTER COMING OUT PUBLICLY
Harrison Browne is a transgender man and a leading forward for the Buffalo Beauts of the National Women’s Hockey League.
EP 4. MEET THE TRANSGENDER SWIM STAR WHO’S EARNED A SPOT ON THE MEN’S TEAM
Schuyler Bailar is a decorated swimmer who was recruited to Harvard as a female, but has found peace after transitioning to a male.
EP 5. TEAM USA’S CHRIS MOSIER CONTINUES TO BREAK BARRIERS FOR TRANS ATHLETES
The first amateur trans athlete representing Team USA is an advocate of key rule changes governing transgender athletes.
