Schuyler Bailar, an award winning NCAA Athlete and inspirational speaker, will speak at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at Wichita State University, Rhatigan Student Center in Room 265, in partnership with Spectrum: LGBTQ & Allies.

Bailar, a 25-time National Championship qualifier and a two-time All-American, was recruited by and swam for Harvard University on one of the most winning teams in Harvard’s history. He is also the first openly transgender athlete to compete in any sport on an NCAA Division I men’s team.

Schuyler’s difficult choice, to transition while potentially giving up the prospect of being an NCAA champion – as a female swimmer – was historic and timely. His story has appeared everywhere from The Washington Post to 60 Minutes and The Ellen Show.

Schuyler is also a celebrated inspirational speaker, having spoken at the CIA, the NCAA, USA Swimming, TEDx and schools and colleges across the country.

His story explores the universal challenges of trying to "fit-in" in our media-rich world with integrity and authenticity. Because he has lived his life from many perspectives – woman, Korean American, mixed-race, gay, trans, “Harvard white guy” – his story resonates with young and old, from all walks of life.  

His conversational style is engaging, disarming, funny and enlightening – using a brief introduction and audience Q&A format.

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