Kye Allums, the first Division I, openly transgender athlete in sports history, delivered the keynote address for °IJʿ’s Queerfest.
Kye Allums, the first Division I openly transgender athlete, delivered the keynote address for °IJʿ’s Queerfest.
“There’s so much negativity in the world. … Do something that makes you smile — anything,” Kye Allums said in his keynote address kicking off Queerfest at °IJʿ. Allums, a George Washington University graduate, made national headlines in 2010 for being the first Division I openly transgender athlete.
After retiring from the GWU women’s basketball team in 2011 and graduating with a degree in fine arts, Allums founded . The project is a storytelling platform dedicated to encouraging self-love for everyone on the gender spectrum.
“I’ve met so many amazing people, and I’ve heard so many amazing stories, but the one thing that’s been constant is that at some point in everyone’s life, they did not feel like they were enough. … So, the project is about encouraging you to do something that makes you happy,” Allums said during his talk in the Hall of Presidents at the end of March.
To conclude °IJʿ’s Queerfest and balance out the week of serious discussions about LGBTQ issues, students let loose at Dragball! Photo by Ashlee Eve ’14
He discussed his journey in discovering his sexuality and identity. Allums told his story about coming out as a young teenager and how it affected his family life, relationships, and overall upbringing.
Allums was also candid about his encounters with the media upon sharing his story with the world.
As creative director of Project I Am Enough, Allums uses art to help individuals express identity and encourage self-love, as well as recruits artists worldwide to share their stories.
He travels nationwide to schools, universities, and LGBTQ events to educate people. Allums emphasizes that his message is not meant to just support members of the LGBTQ community, but everyone.
“As a vibrant and reflective voice, I was most engaged and touched by Kye’s message of simply being who you are and remaining true to one’s self,” said Drea Finley ’13.
The Queerfest celebrations on campus also featured brown bag luncheons and talks from two notable figures in the LGBTQ community, Ignacio Rivera and Buck Angel.
The week ended with Dragball! The much-anticipated annual event not only challenges gender stereotypes, but also concludes Queerfest on a lighthearted and fun note, with student performances and contests.