‘Ottawa’ Trans Woman Throws Symbolic First Pitch at Blue Jays Game
As Blue Jays got set to take on the Baltimore Orioles Thursday night, Rachel Lauren Clark became the first openly trans person to throw the ceremonial pitch before a Major League Baseball game.
But the Pride Toronto board secretary is no fan of firsts.
“I’d love to live in a world where there’s no more firsts in social concepts,” she said. “That would mean everyone is treated equally. No more first female to do this, first gay person to do that, first black person to do that.”
Nevertheless, Clark hopes the pitch will serve as a sign that trans people are as welcome at the ballgame as anyone else.
“I mean, who doesn’t love the Blue Jays in Toronto?” she said. “We have an opportunity to create a safe space for everybody and enjoy the things we love.”
Pointing to the ongoing debate about transgender washrooms, Clark said society still has work to do before all trans people can feel safe in public spaces like the Rogers Centre.
“They don’t necessarily feel welcome, just because of their gender identity,” she said, noting trans people are still subject to ridicule or even assault.
“It is very difficult to deal with these issues, which is why rates of suicide continue to be high in trans communities.”
Transgender issues will be front and centre during this year’s Pride Month. Various events will explore topics about trans youth, trans spaces and how the city can be more inclusive.