“Trans activism is my purpose”: Lia Thomas sparks controversy after accepting an LGBTQIA+ award

Lia Thomas, the first transgender NCAA women's swimming champion, received the Voice of Inspiration Award, sparking renewed debate on transgender athletes. Her acceptance speech, framing trans activism as her purpose, drew praise from supporters and sharp criticism from opponents like swimmer Riley Gaines, who deemed it an 'insult to women' and a dismissal of fair competition standards.