Black History Month Heroes: Kye Allums

GLSEN is proud to honor Black History Month by celebrating the contributions of the African American community to the LGBT and safe schools movements. Throughout February we will be recognizing the African American heroes who have made significant contributions to the LGBT and safe schools movements. Click here for more information, and keep reading all month long for new additions!

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Kye Allums (b. 1989) is the first publically transgender person to play NCAA Division I college basketball. Kye, a student at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., announced in November 2010 that while he identifies as male, he will continue playing on the women’s basketball team. Kye recognizes that the media attention around his coming out can provide visibility for the trans community. “I am trying to help myself and others to be who they are.” And Kye’s school supports him. Although the team is certain they’ll face difficulty from other communities when they travel, they’re committed to supporting Kye, says teammate Ivy Abonia, “As long as we’re united…we’re a team and we’re a family, we’ll be okay” (AP).

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We want to know who your heroes are! If you know an African American person who has contributed to the LGBT and safe schools movement, post about them on the Gay-Straight Alliances Facebook page. You can also tweet your heroes to @DayofSilence using the #GLSENBHM hash tag!