Olanrele Oni watched from afar as the Black Trans Lives Matter movement swept the nation in 2020. He spoke to his husband, Justin Fair, about wanting to do something, anything, to counter the lack of empathy in the world.

Sports seemed like the proper solution. “To me, sports is one of those things that can change culture. I truly believe that,” Oni said.

Additionally, the O’s turned their attention to how LGBTQ kids relate to sports. While noting that “1 in 10 LGBTQ+ youth have been discouraged from playing school sports due to their sexual orientation or gender identity,” the Orioles also emphasized how important sports are to our community.

“One in three LGBTQ+ youth are interested in sports,” the team posted, “Unmatched Athlete is a Maryland-based non-profit that encourages youth who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies to participate in sports and fitness.”

Olanrele Oni admits that even though he grew up playing soccer, he was never the best athlete — “A for effort,” he likes to say.

But when he was younger, Oni, who said he always knew he was queer, once suspected his teammates were refusing to pass him the ball on the field because of his sexuality.

“I felt as a little gay kid, I felt self conscious. Is it the way I’m running? Is it the way I’m speaking? Is that playing a role?” Oni said. “You start creating these narratives in your head that may not exist.”

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