Quinn makes history at the FIFA World Cup. Photo credit: Quinn via Instagram.
Canadian midfielder Quinn made history by being the first non-binary athlete to compete in the world’s largest sporting event at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023. Due to the numerous “firsts” that Quinn has accomplished over their career, Canadians and football fans around have rightfully referred to them as trailblazers. The veteran has never shied away from moments that subvert conventional wisdom and offer acceptance to individuals who might not have otherwise received it.
Born in Toronto, Quinn was raised in a sport involved family as their parents played collegiate sports, none of which were soccer. Struggling to find interest in dance class and ballet, Quinn was drawn into hockey just like most Canadians but had a soft spot for soccer which saw them be selected for provincial youth teams in Ontario. A natural in the midfield with a special touch on the ball combined with passion for the field, Quinn committed to North Carolina Duke to study Biology, becoming the first Canadian to play for the Blue Devils. Winning various individual awards, every scout’s eyes were turned to Quinn which naturally saw them become the highest drafted Canadian in National Women’s Super League history.
Short spells at Washington Spirit in the NWSL and Paris FC in France equipped the midfielder with a deal to Seattle’s OL Reign in the NWSL in the United States, where they currently play today. Yet, achieving success on the international stage and in the club scene has not come without difficulty. Opening about their journey, Quinn admitted , “When I was figuring out who I was, it was really scary and I didn’t really understand if I had a future in football, if I had a future in life”
Though typically seen as a shy person in interviews with a quiet presence on social media, Quinn has used and produced opportunities to challenge normative discourse, advocate for a diverse dialogue, and present acceptance to those who may have lacked that. In an Instagram post before the re-arranged Tokyo Olympics kicked off, they revealed something that would later open doors to living their most true and authentic self. The post was rather informative and educational for non-queer folks following the sport, but only the start of Quinn’s mission that was to follow. With Canada having their best ever tournament to date under new head coach Bev Priestman of winning gold after beating Sweden in the final, the veteran midfielder became the first out non-binary transgender athlete to win an Olympic medal, and participate on a football team. Playing each round of the competition, Quinn did a fundamental job in driving Canada to their very first golden platform, one they had won bronze twice on before. A queer non-binary athlete holding a gold medal after defeating the world’s top-ranked nations was a sight no one had ever anticipated, but it was a cherished sight that only pushed for more.
However, as they began to feel more at ease expressing their true selves during the Olympics, Quinn set out to achieve exactly this kind of success. The fact that Tokyo 2021 took place during unheard-of COVID-19 restrictions meant that the tournament was virtually played without spectators in the stadiums, one of many unique aspects of the event. The Canadian used the unusual setting to reflect on their journey over the past 12 months. Much of it was positive entailing acceptance of oneself, feeling content and plenty to be proud of, however with it came a few grave considerations.
‘I feel sad knowing there were Olympians before me unable to live their truth because of this world. Mostly, I feel aware of the realities, Quinn expressed through instagram. “’Trans girls being banned from sports. Trans women face discrimination and bias while trying to pursue their Olympic dreams. The fight isn’t close to over… and I’ll celebrate when we’re all here” they continued.
The Olympics was also the first tournament to which Canada Soccer used the hashtags #CANXNT simultaneously with #CANWNT as a sign of inclusivity and respect, and have used ever since. Whether it is a starting eleven announcement or a simple picture dump from training camp, #CANXNT is present. Though it seems like a simple gesture from Quinn’s teammate and federation, it portrays much needed visibility in a sport that advocates welcoming all. Since its existence, football has been very black and white regarding gender; you either compete as a man or woman. Having spoken to various grassroot coaches in the greater Toronto area, this is a concern due to many young athletes either feel shunned out to dropout, or have to deal with being mis-gendered. Young athletes in sports on their own identity journey will feel that regardless of how they identify, they can reach the highest level of football and aim for gold.
Addressing the ignorance surrounding women’s football and the policies that are currently in place is an important part of the Canadians’ mission. They have emphasized the significance of fostering equitable and inclusive settings that prioritize the rights and well-being of all athletes as well as the necessity for legislative reforms to remove unnecessary obstacles currently in place for transgender and non-binary athletes. Playing professional soccer in the USA means not every state Quinn visits for a match has laws which respect their gender expression, which can often be scary and another reminder to how much work there is still to go. By highlighting systemic barriers in the sport, Quinn has brought a lot of awareness to the conversation, and has fueled a positive narrative for change.
As an openly transgender and non-binary athlete, Quinn provides much-needed visibility and representation for the LGBTQ+ community in sports all across, not just soccer. Quinn made history when they became the first transgender and non-binary person to appear at either a men’s or women’s World Cup, playing 90 minutes in the 0-0 draw with Nigeria in Melbourne last week. An already highly respected figure in the North, the Canuck will naturally receive the praise globally. As a Canadian who has seen the effect of Quinn first hand, I am not sure if there is anyone better suited for this walk.
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