WNBA's Layshia Clarendon has surgery to remove breasts
NEW YORK (AP) — Liberty guard Layshia Clarendon, who identifies as transgender and nonbinary, announced on social media Friday that they had surgery to remove breast tissue.
“It’s hard to put into words the feeling of seeing my chest for the first time free of breasts, seeing my chest the way I’ve always seen it, and feeling a sense of gender euphoria as opposed to gender dysphoria," Clarendon wrote
Clarendon has been generally open about their identity but felt trepidation in sharing news of the operation due to “the amount of hate, myths & ignorance.” Clarendon decided to share the photo because “I want Trans people to know and see that we’ve always existed & no one can erase us!"
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“Layshia's story is one of inspiration and courage, and as a takeaway from the emotional conversation we shared recently, my hope is that the WNBA's full support will extend far beyond this league," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. "We are so proud that Layshia is part of the WNBA and we know that their voice and continued advocacy will not only support and help honor and uplift many other nonbinary and trans people, but also encourage empathy and understanding for the community across all levels of sport.”
The eight-year veteran of the WNBA averaged a career-best 11.5 points for New York last season. Clarendon wrote in The Players' Tribune five years ago they identify as “black, gay, female, non-cisgender and Christian," and expanded on their identity in an Instagram post in December.
“Existing outside of the binary for me is freedom,”
Clarendon and wife Jessica had their first child together in December.
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