Ashlyn Harris isn’t just a World Cup champion; she’s a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, crediting her unapologetic identity as the key to her success both on and off the field.
The two-time World Cup champion and Olympian spoke candidly about her career during a panel at the Global Citizen Now Summit on Wednesday, May 30, where she shared how embracing her authentic self allowed her to shine both on and off the field.
“My queerness probably is what made me so great,” Harris, 39, revealed to Us Weekly on April 30. “I was so bold, I lived out loud and I wasn’t ashamed of it.” As a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Harris called out the hate that LGBTQ+ athletes often face, explaining that those who spew negativity are often "envious" of the freedom that comes with living openly. “People feel uncomfortable that we can walk into rooms and be as colorful and exactly who we are,” she said.
Harris also spoke passionately about equal pay for women in sports, mentioning the salary differences between WNBA and NBA rookies. “I want these women to be rich — and I don’t feel bad saying that,” she asserted to the outlet.
At the summit, Harris also praised athletes like Simone Biles for using their platforms to raise awareness for causes.
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