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Who is Harrison Browne?
Harrison Browne, born on November 12, 1993, is a former professional ice hockey forward from Canada. His last professional stint was with the Metropolitan Riveters of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL). Browne holds the distinction of being the first openly transgender professional athlete in North America, and the first to be openly transgender in professional team sports. Born and raised in Oakville, Ontario, he was brought up in a family with a strong sports background. He showcased his hockey skills from a young age and continued to shine during his tenure with the University of Maine’s women’s ice hockey team from 2012 to 2014. Browne publicly announced his transgender identity in an ESPN interview in October 2016, during his second season with the Buffalo Beauts of the NWHL.
What made Harrison Browne famous?
Browne’s rise to fame can be attributed to his brave decision to come out as transgender to his teammates and coaches, a move that was met with overwhelming support. His request to the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) to use male pronouns and his chosen name, “Harrison”, instead of his legal name, “Hailey”, was honored by the league. This significant step in his personal journey was widely reported in the media, propelling him into the limelight. Browne swiftly became a notable figure advocating for transgender rights in sports, further boosting his fame. His popularity was underscored by the fact that his jersey rapidly ascended to become the NWHL’s top-selling item.
Is Harrison Browne trans?
Harrison Browne’s fame can be attributed to his significant contributions to both sports and LGBTQ+ rights. He broke barriers by becoming the first openly transgender athlete in professional team sports. However, his fame transcends his sporting achievements. Browne has been an influential advocate for the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports, collaborating with organizations like You Can Play and Athlete Ally to foster LGBTQ+ inclusion. His advocacy efforts have been wide-ranging, from delivering speeches and making media appearances to creating educational resources for athletes, coaches, and administrators. Browne’s inspiring journey has been documented in several documentaries and he has been recognized with numerous awards for his advocacy work. His story continues to inspire and instigate change in the sports world.