Paving the way for transgender cyclists: The story of Jillian Bearden | Ella

Cyclist Jillian Bearden won El Tour de Tucson in November. It was her first win of the season and her first win as a female.

Anne-Marije Rook has written an interesting article about her life as transgender and a cyclist, and the complicated rules of gender in international sports.

Bearden spent the first 34 years of her life as Jonathan, plagued by depression, suicidal tendencies and the dysphoria that comes when you’re a woman stuck in a man’s body.

“My story starts at an early age. I knew I was trans. I would wear my sister’s clothes and wished to be on girls’ sports team and things like that. All throughout my life I had this dysphoria going on,” said Bearden.

“All throughout high school I wore women’s clothes underneath my actual clothes just to feel comfortable in my own skin.”
Conflicted by Christian values, societal expectations and the feeling that something just wasn’t right, Jonathan sought the help of a counselor.

Fortunately, her mom and wife accepted her, and the transitioning period started.

More here!

Photography by Jillian Bearden